Harambee Stars interim head coach Francis Kimanzi is cautiously optimistic about his team’s chances of securing a victory against Tanzania in their second Mapinduzi Cup match, scheduled for Tuesday at Gombani Stadium in Zanzibar. Despite the challenges faced in their opening match, a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso, Kimanzi believes the lessons learned will help his team improve as the tournament progresses.
Reflecting on the Burkina Faso game, Kimanzi acknowledged that the players faced difficulties, especially with the hot climate, which affected their performance. He also pointed to mistakes, including a last-minute blunder that allowed Burkina Faso to equalize in added time. “My players were partly affected by the climate, but we also made some mistakes, including the last-minute blunder that gave them the equalizer,” Kimanzi said. “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.”
Kenya had started the match brightly, with James Kinyanjui scoring in the first half after a deflected free kick from Boniface Muchiri set him up perfectly for a close-range finish. However, despite the strong start, Kenya failed to capitalize on their chances. A missed opportunity to double their lead early in the second half, when Kinyanjui’s cross caught striker Ryan Ogam off-guard, proved costly. In the dying moments, Burkina Faso capitalized on a lapse in concentration to equalize through Aboubaker Razack Traore, who had come off the bench and forced Kenyan goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo into a crucial save just before the final whistle.
Despite the setbacks, Kimanzi remains hopeful for a turnaround. “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 stated. Kimanzi’s optimism stems from the team’s blend of experienced and young players, many of whom underwent a rigorous residential training camp in Nairobi ahead of 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 the CHAN tournament with Uganda and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, and the Zanzibar tournament is seen as an essential part of their build-up. The 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 currently leads the standings after a 1-0 win over Tanzania Mainland, setting the stage for a crucial encounter between Kenya and Tanzania.
Kimanzi will have to make adjustments to his squad ahead of the Tanzania game, as midfielder Kenneth Muguna, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Burkina Faso match, has been ruled out. Kelly Madada, who replaced Muguna in the first game, is expected to start in his place. Despite the injury setback, Kimanzi remains confident in the team’s ability to bounce back and perform better in the upcoming match.
The team’s preparation for the CHAN tournament is crucial, and Kimanzi believes that with the right adjustments and a focus on improvement, Harambee Stars can achieve a positive result against Tanzania and continue their progress in the Mapinduzi Cup.
