Abuya opens his account as Singida outclass JKU to put one foot in CAF Confederation Cup group stage

© Singida Fountain Gate.

STARS ABROAD Abuya opens his account as Singida outclass JKU to put one foot in CAF Confederation Cup group stage

Joel Omotto 08:58 - 19.08.2023

The Kenyan midfielder was on the scoresheet for his new Tanzanian side as compatriot Joash Onyango starred in defence during the Confederation Cup preliminary round tie

Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya was on the scoresheet as Singida Fountain Gate started their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over JKU of Zanzibar on Friday.

Abuya scored the fourth goal for Hans van Pluijm’s men in the preliminary round tie in a match his Kenyan compatriot Joash Onyango started in central defence.

Van Pluijm opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Abuya deployed on the right wing, but even playing out position did not stop him from asserting his authority on the game.

Singida went ahead after just four minutes when Togolese Marouf Tchakei scored a penalty after being fouled in the area before the midfielder made it 2-0 with another spot-kick in the 39th minute.

Tchakei turned provider for Singida's third goal, playing a precise pass for Nigerian forward Morice Chukwu to score in the 39th minute.

Abuya made it 4-0 to the Tanzanian league runners-up two minutes into the second half. JKU pulled a goal back later on but Singida remained firmly in control to secure a comprehensive first leg victory.

The goal came after Abuya promised to change the tide having starred in midfield for as they lost on post-match penalties to Simba SC in the Ngao Ya Jamii (Charity Shield) last week.

The former Kenya Police and Kariobangi Sharks man put in a good performance in the encounter as both sides played out a goalless draw before Simba won 4-2 on post-match shootouts.

The return fixture of the Confederation Cup takes place on August 27 at the Azam Complex Stadium, where JKU will need to overturn a three-goal deficit to progress.

Tchakei's stellar show provided Singida with the perfect start to the tie, with the midfielder justifying his arrival with two goals and an assist.

After a dominant first leg display, Singida have one foot in the Confederation Cup group stage as they aim to reach the later rounds of continental competition.

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