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The Harambee Stars coach has identified what contributed to his team conceding in the last minute but remains positive of a change in fortunes in subsequent matches.
Harambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi admits his team struggled to cope with the intensity of their first Mapinduzi Cup match following a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso on Saturday.
Kenya went ahead courtesy of James Kinyanjui’s goal but Aboubakar Traore equalised for Burkina Faso in time added on for a share of the spoils.
The Burkinabe had a better second half when they laid siege at Kenya’s goal with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi making a number of key saves but were rewarded with the late equaliser.
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22:23 - 04.01.2025
Harambee Stars suffer late heartbreak as Burkina Faso grab share of spoils in Mapinduzi Cup
Harambee Stars were punished for their late lapse in concentration when Burkina Faso forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw in their Mapinduzi Cup opener.
Kimanzi says it was a challenging match for his team but there are some positives to pick from it heading into their next fixture against Kilimanjaro Stars on Tuesday.
“The first match normally has its difficulties because players are not in their full element but I think the way they handled the game until the last minute gives us some satisfaction,” Kimanzi said after the match.
“The first match brings some panic and the intensity of the match is not high that is why we made our changes late because normally in the last minutes when you have something to protect, you must maintain your game and result and also try to get the second goal so it can be a challenge.
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07:56 - 05.01.2025
Michael Olunga: Ian Otieno gives reasons why Harambee Stars captain is in Qatar to stay
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno has opened up on why he thinks it is nearly impossible to lure captain Michael Olunga away from Qatar.
“But it was a good game. We have finished this, we will plan for the other one because we must play it well and get a result.”
Kenya will now hope to get their first win against Kilimanjaro Stars on Tuesday with the Tanzania mainland team having opened their campaign with a 1-0 loss to hosts Zanzibar Heroes on Friday.
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