Harambee Stars seek to extend good run against Botswana

By GILBERT WANDERA

Only a few people gave the national team Harambee Stars any chance of doing well in this year’s edition of the Cosafa Cup currently going on in Zambia.

Yet, two matches later, the team is perched at the top of their group on four points from two matches.

Harambee Stars now look set to make it to the last eight when they clash against Botswana in Kitwe today.

Stars started well by coming from two goals down to hold hard fighting Lesotho 2-2.

But it was their clinical 2-0 win against Swaziland on Tuesday that has greatly increased their chances of being among the eight teams that will fight it out for the Sh5 million prize money on offer for the winner.

Stars will meet Malawi if they make it to the quarters. This is the same team they are with in the qualifiers of the 2014 World Cup and drew 2-2 in Lilongwe less than one month ago.

However, before Malawi comes calling, Stars have to overcome Botswana today to be sure of topping their group.

So far, Botswana looks the toughest team to come against Stars, considering that the team featured in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

First real test

The Southern Africa country provides the first real test for the Stars and can only judge themselves after this match.

To say that the Stars are motivated ahead of today’s fixture is an understatement. The team is enjoying the form of their life and will going into this match feeling inspired for nothing less than victory.

Though the Stars squad is mainly made up of home- based players, those called up have shown a strong desire to impress and shine at this stage and perhaps be able to convince the selectors of their seriousness for future matches.

Leading scorers

Gor Mahia striker Edwin Lavasta with two goals to his name is one of the tournaments leading scorers so far and is tipped to start upfront together with team-mate Paul Kiongera.

The two make quite an impressive attacking force and are expected to terrorise their opponents in search for goals.

In goal, Gor Mahia custodian Jerim Onyango was impressive against Swaziland and is likely to start between the posts once again.

If Stars win today, it will be the second win for coach Adel Amrouche since he took over six months ago.

The Belgian is a great motivator who has turned around the Stars into fight-back giants.

Kenya emerged as the leaders in Group B after winning against Swaziland on Tuesday but their victory was overshadowed by a six-goal thriller between Botswana and Lesotho.

Lesotho grabbed a dramatic last gasp equaliser to keep alive their hopes in a 3-3 draw with Botswana.

Jerome Ramatlhakwana notched a hat-trick for the Zebras but Lesotho, playing a second game in 24 hours, proved the real heroes with their comeback effort.

Kenya moved top with four points from their opening two matches and will go into today’s final set on matches in pole position.

Lesotho and Botswana both have two points while Swaziland are mathematically still in the race even though they have not yet scored at the Cosafa Cup.