Memories of the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge when host Kenya eliminated Rwanda in the quarterfinals will be evoked when the two renew rivalry on Tuesday 1 at the same stage in Addis.
Jockins Atudo’s penalty in the 55th minute at the Mombasa Municipal Stadium after Michael Rusheshangoga was ruled to have handled the ball inside the box by Eritrean referee Gebremichael Luleseged, was the difference then as the Harambee Stars went ahead to eventually lift the gong on home soil.
The Amavubi came into the match as underdogs having lost two group matches against Uganda and Sudan but that didn’t show as they bossed the proceedings under the sweltering heat of Mombasa. Kenya had beaten South Sudan (3-1) and Zanzibar (2-0) before drawing with Ethiopia (0-0) to set up the clash.
Fast forward to 2015 and the Amavubi will be coming into the Tuesday clash as firm favorites going by their past three matches, of which they won two against host Ethiopia 0-1,Somalia 2-0 and losing one to Tanzania 2-1.
Harambee Stars of Kenya on the other hand won just one game against Uganda 2-0 before drawing 1-1 with Burundi and finally losing 3-1 to minnows Zanzibar.
A critical look at the present squads reveals up to seven players from each side played a part in the 2013 duel.
Rwanda Captain Haruna Niyonzima, goal keeper Eric Ndayishimiye, Jacques Tuyisenge, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Jean Claude Iranzi, Emery Bayisenge and Jean Claude Claude Ndoli will be facing familiar faces from the Kenyan side including; strikers Allan Wanga and Jacob Keli, defenders David Owino and David Ochieng, winger Clifton Miheso and midfielder Teddy Akumu.
Jacques Tuyisenge has since matured in the Coach John McKinstry’s side and is currently leading the top scorers chat with three goals, and so is Jacob Keli on the Bobby Williamson’s team – the Nkana FC forward has netted twice.
Amavubi will also have to deal with the threat of prolific striker Michael Olunga who boasts two goals to his credit – the mercurial goal poacher can not only score but also create chances for others.
In other quarterfinals; Uganda takes on guest Malawi on Monday 30 before host Ethiopia sweat it out against Tanzania on the same day. South Sudan and Sudan set up another Sudanese derby on the other Tuesday 1 match, all in Addis,Ethiopia.
@bonfaceosano
