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Kenya will be out to extend their good record against Burkina Faso when they begin their hunt for the Mapinduzi Cup at the five-team tournament in Zanzibar.
Harambee Stars begin their Mapinduzi Cup campaign with a tricky match against Burkina Faso at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba, Zanzibar.
Kenya are among the teams considered favourites at the tournament that will now be played in a round-robin format following the late withdrawal of Burundi.
Harambee Stars are taking the tournament seriously as it is part of their preparations for the African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) with interim coach Francis Kimanzi and captain Aboud Omar keen on a strong performance.
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11:00 - 03.01.2025
Abud Omar: Failing to win Mapinduzi Cup would be 'disastrous' for Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN
Aboud Omar, who has been named the side's captain for the tournament, stated in no uncertain terms why Harambee Stars have to win the Mapinduzi Cup with the 2024 CHAN tournament around the corner.
“Winning the Mapinduzi Cup is our bare minimum. I’ll demand more from the players, but above all, I must lead by example as an experienced player and a veteran of the team,” said Omar.
“We have prepared well, and the team is in good shape. There’s a perfect blend of senior players and young talents who have shown immense potential and worked hard to make the final squad. We are not underdogs, and the target from the onset is to win the Mapinduzi Cup. Anything less would be a failure.”
Head-to-head record
Kenya and Burkina Faso last faced off in the 2004 African Cup of Nations, when they claimed a 3-0 win, extending their good record against the Stallions that includes three wins and one loss, dating back to 1997.
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10:29 - 03.01.2025
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The two teams faced off twice in 1997 in World Cup qualifiers, Kenya winning 4-3 in Nairobi before a 4-2 victory in Ouagadougou but followed it up with a 1-0 loss in a friendly match in June 2000 before the AFCON 2004 triumph.
A lot has changed since then and Kimanzi admits history will play a little part in the outcome of Saturday’s match.
“We are looking good, we are sharp and although we have this history against Burkina Faso, it was a long time ago. What happened, happened and it is there but Mapinduzi Cup is a different invitation, the aim is different and for the players, the target we have for them is different. So, we are hoping that they will give a good account of themselves,” Kimanzi said ahead of the match.
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07:30 - 03.01.2025
Harambee Stars arrive in Zanzibar ahead of Mapinduzi Cup showdown
Harambee Stars kick-off their campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday.
Changes in tournament format
Organisers have been forced to change the format owing to Burundi’s last-minute withdrawal and having failed to find a replacement with South Sudan declining a late invitation. All teams will now face each other in a round-robin format with the final still scheduled for January 13.
Besides Kenya and Burkina Faso, hosts Zanzibar Heroes, Kilimanjaro Stars (Tanzania mainland) and the Cranes of Uganda are the other teams set to feature.
Time & where to watch?
The Harambee Stars and Burkina Faso match will kick off at 8.15pm on Saturday evening with the tournament being beamed live on Azam TV.
Hosts Zanzibar started the tournament with a 1-0 win over Kilimanjaro Stars, the lone goal scored by Azam FC’s in-demand midfielder Feisal Salum popularly known as Feitoto.
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