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Harambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi expresses cautious optimism as his team prepares for a crucial Mapinduzi Cup clash.
Harambee Stars interim head coach Francis Kimanzi has expressed optimism about his team’s chances of securing victory against Tanzania in their second Mapinduzi Cup match at Gombani Stadium, Zanzibar, on Tue.
Kimanzi believes the lessons learned from their opening match will drive improvement as the tournament progresses.
Stars began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso on Saturday.
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Reflecting on the performance, Kimanzi acknowledged the challenges his team faced but emphasized the importance of making quick adjustments.
“My players were partly affected by the climate, but we also made some mistakes, including the last-minute blunder that gave them the equaliser,” Kimanzi admitted as per Nation.
“There are a few things we must improve on quickly before our next game against Tanzania on Tuesday. We tried our best, but it was not enough. We want to play well on Tuesday and win.”
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Kenya started the match against Burkina Faso strongly, with James Kinyanjui scoring in the first half after a deflected free kick from Boniface Muchiri landed perfectly for him to convert from close range.
Despite the bright start, Kenya failed to capitalize on their chances, including an opportunity to double their lead early in the second half when Kinyanjui’s cross caught striker Ryan Ogam off-guard.
In the dying moments of the game, a lapse in concentration allowed Aboubaker Razack Traore to equalize for Burkina Faso in added time.
Traore, who came off the bench for Burkina Faso, proved to be a constant threat, forcing Kenyan goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo into a crucial save late in the game.
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Despite the setbacks, Kimanzi remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back.
“The first match against a tough opponent normally has its challenges because the players are still adjusting, but I have hope they will play better on Wednesday,” he said.
Kenya will, however, have to make adjustments to their squad ahead of the Tanzania game.
Kenneth Muguna, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Burkina Faso match, has been ruled out.
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AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada, who replaced Muguna in the first game, is expected to start in his place.
Kimanzi’s optimism is rooted in the team’s blend of experienced and young players, many of whom underwent rigorous residential training in Nairobi before the tournament.
The squad was trimmed to 24 players for the Zanzibar trip, with the Mapinduzi Cup serving as a key preparatory platform for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kenya will co-host CHAN with Uganda and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, making the Zanzibar tournament an essential part of their build-up.
The annual Mapinduzi Cup, played on a league basis, features four national teams—Zanzibar, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania—after Uganda and Burundi withdrew at the last minute.
Zanzibar leads the standings after a 1-0 win over Tanzania Mainland, setting the stage for a critical encounter between Kenya and Tanzania.
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