KOKOYO OPTIMISTIC: Ulinzi defender says team can reach Confed Cup group stage

KPL MATHARE UNITED VS ULINZI STARS Mathare United Chrispin Oduor(R) and Geoffrey Kokoyo of Ulinzi Stars battle for ball possession during their KPL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 02/07/16.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Despite his team losing 1-0 in the first leg of the Confederations Cup tie against Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi, Ulinzi Stars defender Geoffrey Kokoyo believes the soldiers can make it to the group stages of the tournament.

The return match is scheduled for this afternoon at Kasarani Stadium with the soldiers needing to win by at least two clear goals to make it through to the first round.

Ulinzi Stars held their first training session at Kasarani yesterday morning in readiness for the North Africans.

The veteran defender said: “We still believe the goal we conceded in the first leg should not have stood because it was scored from an off-side position.

“But it was also our mistake, because we should not have assumed that the referee will make such a call.

“However, we still have an opportunity to rectify the mistakes we made and get a positive result at home.

“ We believe that all is not lost and we can even make it to the group stages if we work hard.”

Kokoyo also pleaded with fans to turn out in large numbers and cheer the team pointing that this will give the team morale to beat the North Africans.

“We need the fans to come out in large numbers and give us the support. We are doing this for the country and we need their support,” added the defender.

The soldiers have been boosted by the availability of John Makwatta who missed the first leg. Makwatta was the team’s leading scorer in the Kenyan Premier league and cup competition last season and his presence will be a major boost to the soldiers.

Ulinzi Stars vice chairman Joe Birgen has urged fans to turn up in large numbers to support the team even as he announced that gate charges have been pegged at Sh300 for the VIP and Sh100 for the terraces.

“It is a tough match but we are determined to win. The home support will be very crucial and I want to urge all football loving Kenyans to come out at Kasarani and support us,” Birgen told the club’s website.

Ulinzi Stars must avoid conceding at home at all costs if they hope to make it past their opponents.

Meanwhile Tusker will be in Mauritius tomorrow to take on AS Port Louis of Mauritius.