Sakari on why he is confident Harambee Stars have what it takes to win the Mapinduzi Cup as they continue gearing up towards CHAN 2024.
Harambee Stars right-back Daniel Sakari has expressed confidence in the team’s progress at the ongoing Mapinduzi Cup in Pemba Islands, where they are building momentum ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kenya has shown promise in their campaign, securing a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their opener and defeating Tanzania mainland’s Kilimanjaro Stars 2-0 to amass four points, putting them level with Burkina Faso after two matches.
Sakari, a key figure in the team’s efforts, provided the assist for Boniface Muchiri’s opening goal against Zanzibar. He believes the team has the quality and determination to win the tournament, which would serve as a morale booster as CHAN approaches.
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“Our performance has been improving steadily. We started with a draw, followed by a win, and I expect nothing less than another victory,” Sakari stated ahead of their crucial clash with Zanzibar. “We aim to continue this upward trajectory as we gear up for the main tournament, CHAN.”
The defender highlighted the strong camaraderie within the squad, emphasizing the collective desire to secure the Mapinduzi Cup title.
“Morale in the camp is high, and everyone is in good spirits. We all share the same goal—positive results and eventually winning the trophy,” he added.
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Interim head coach Francis Kimanzi echoed Sakari’s optimism, commending the team’s growing resilience.
“We’ve been putting in hard work in every game since arriving here. The players are showing tremendous character and are getting tougher with each challenge. It’s satisfying to see how they’re responding,” Kimanzi said.
A win against Zanzibar would secure Kenya’s place in the final, bolstering their confidence as they prepare for CHAN in February. Co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the upcoming tournament is a key focus for Harambee Stars as they aim to make a significant impact on the continental stage.
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The match against Zanzibar promises to be a fierce contest of grit and determination, with both teams vying for glory in the prestigious Mapinduzi Cup. For Harambee Stars, victory would not only propel them into the final but also serve as a strong statement of intent for CHAN.