Sudan’s Al Khartoum which is making maiden appearance in the 41st edition of Kagame Cup, Tanzania, has so far left a mark; they made a loud entry into the oldest competition in Africa with 5-0 thrashing of minnows Djibouti Telecom before easing past KMKM of Zanzibar 2-1 in the second match.

And with solid displays in both matches, there can never be a better way to send a warning to your next opponent of what lies in store for them. Al Khartoum will be up against a household name in this tournament Gor Mahia nicknamed “K’Ogalo” in a potential decider on who runs away with group “A”

K’Ogalo arrived in Dar Es Salaam as underdogs judging by the poor outing in the last edition held in Rwanda in 2014 where they failed to go past group stage,but the boys in green have proved all their doubters wrong; winning their opening tie against more fancied Yanga SC of Tanzania 2-1 before thrashing KMKM of Zanzibar 3-1.

This tie has all the ingredients of an explosive encounter; it will be interesting to watch Khartoum’s midfield anchor Antony Akumu face his former side Gor, the lanky player scored the winning goal against KMKM, unleashing a scorcher in the later minutes of the match to secure all the three points.

“I’m in another team now and I’ll therefore just play like I do when facing any other team although it will be a very emotional game for me as I’m facing my old club. I still love Gor Mahia and I will not celebrate incase I score,” he said.” Akumu said in post match interview.”

Akumu will not find it easy in the role he has so far performed above expectations, he will be facing Ugandan International Khalid Aucho in the midfield battle. Aucho, a ball winner and distributor has perfected his game in the position and has been the architect of most of Gor’s dangerous forward forays, he engineered K’Ogalo’s opener against KMKM in a spectacular fashion, juggling the ball using his head before releasing a sleek pass to Michael Olunga who set up Meddie Kagere for the beautiful goal.

In attack, Khartoum’s skipper Salah Bilal is a joy to watch and very lethal at it, the tall striker who likes to operate from the wings is joint top in the scorers chart with three goals to his credit, two from the spot. His opposite mercurial Michael Olunga christined “Micah” by Tanzanian fans who have fallen in love with his goal poaching prowess,will be expected to continue with his predatory tendencies; just like Salah, Olunga also called “Midusa” has netted thrice. He scored the winner which earned him fame against Yanga before scoring a brace against KMKM.

Khartoum coach Kwesi Appiah is a big name in the African soccer scene, the 2014 Ghana’s Black Stars World Cup coach is an astute tactician with vast experience in the field,and he has proved it thus far. He will be hoping that his magic outshines Frank Nuttal’s; the Gor Mahia head coach is new in the continent but has so far done well with the Kenyan champions, who are unbeaten back at home in 18 fixtures. Though away in Tanzania, Gor still leads KPL with nine points cushion.

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com