When Zambia’s Zesco United host Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the CAF Champions League semifinals first leg at Levy Mwanawasa stadium,Ndola later today, four players from the East African region are expected to prominently feature from both sides.
Uganda Cranes undisputed first choice keeper Dennis Onyango fresh from guiding his nation to a historic Nations Cup qualification will be a sure start for the visitors between the posts. The burly keeper formerly at Supersport United has been pivotal for the “Masandawana” in the campaign; his heroics for the Pitso Masimone’s side has seen them concede defeat just once since the group phase of the ultimate continental club football competition commenced in June.
On the opposite end, three Kenyans are expected to play a major role in the potentially explosive encounter. First is striker Jesse Were; the former Tusker FC point man has to this end hit four goals for “Team ya ziko” in the tournament and 13 in the domestic league, a form he will be tasked to continue with today.
David “Calabar” Owino’s aerial threat will be needed in this one as he also firms up the backline that has been pointed out as the weak link in the Coach George “Chicken” Lwandamina’s attack minded machine.
His teammate at the Harmbee Stars Anthony Agay Akumu, a game reader per excellence and great ball distributor, will be tasked to anchor the middle of the pack alongside Zambian Misheck Chalia.
Owino, Akumu and Jesse should have faced Onyango in an international friendly when Uganda Cranes hosted Harambee Stars at Namboole stadium just before the final round of the AFCON qualifiers, but unfortunately keeper Onyango was nursing a hamstring injury he picked while on club duty.
@bonfaceosano
