Memories of 2013 as Stars play in Cecafa final today

Harambee Stars George Odhiambo (left) drible ball past Ibrahim Migomba of Tanzania during CECAFA at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County. Dec 11, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

When Wyvonne Isuza scored an extra-time winning goal against a resilient Burundi in Kisumu to secure a 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup final ticket for national team Harambee Stars, Tusker striker Allan Wanga had every reason to smile.

The well-travelled Kenyan international knows exactly what it means to reach a tournament final. That 97th minute astonishing goal on Thursday reminded him of the brace he scored in the 2013 final against Sudan at Nyayo National Stadium to help Kenya lift their sixth regional trophy.

The current squad has scored fewer goals (4) in the early stages of the competition than the 2013 Adel Amrouche-coached team.

But as Kenya prepare for an epic final match against high-flying Zanzibar Heroes in Machakos at 3pm today, the former AFC Leopards and Sofapaka marksman has urged the players to savour the final moment and play with no pressure.

“Reaching the final is always a difficult thing, but once you are there it becomes a do-or-die. It is either they make history or no one will remember them for reaching the final,” Wanga told The Standard Sports.

“I remember in 2013 when we beat Tanzania (1-0) in the semi-final, we vowed to play our hearts out in the final and ensure the trophy remains at home.

“So, for those who will get a chance to play tomorrow (Sunday), they should enjoy the game and play with no pressure because they have worked hard to reach there. It is now time for them to make history. I wish the boys all the best and I believe they can do it.”

Asked about their tactical approach to the final, Wanga said: “During that time, we had a different coach whose tactics were attack-minded compared to what the current technical bench are deploying. We used to attack from the first whistle to the end and that’s why we managed to score many goals in the tournament.” James Nandwa, who was the deputy of the Algerian-born Belgian coach in 2013, also weighed in on the striking issue.

“It is a fact that we have a striking problem because finishing has been our biggest challenge. Therefore every player who gets a chance to play must give it their best to ensure that we win the tournament,” said Nandwa.

The 2013 title triumph was the second home win for Kenya since 1983 when JJ Masiga scored the lone goal to beat Zimbabwe at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Coach Paul Put will be aiming to become the third to deliver the regional trophy after Amrouche (2013) and Englishman Ray Wood in 1975 when Kenya beat Malawi 3-2 in Zambia.