Stars face soaring Uganda Cranes

By Robin Toskin

After failing to make hay while the sun shone in group stages, Kenya’s Harambee Stars found themselves needing to negotiate past Uganda Cranes in Monday’s quarter-final of the Orange Cecafa Challenge Cup if they have to harbour hopes of a stab at regional glory.

Stars 2-0 win over Ethiopia, however, according to coach Twahir Muhiddin is testimony his beleaguered charges can only get better.

And that audacious statement will come under sharp focus at Nyayo Stadium at 5pm when champions Uganda come calling having topped Group C with seven points without conceding a goal.

The match will be a repeat of last year’s final in Uganda, which the Cranes won 1-0. On paper, Uganda are the stronger side having brushed aside Tanzania and Burundi with an identical 2-0 wins and drew Zanzibar 0-0.

In contrast Harambee Stars, though a work in progress, have not been convincing except against Ethiopia— despite the win achieved with five defenders and two out and out strikers.

With Uganda’s Owen Kasule, practically on fire, Muhiddin’s hands are full especially after losing midfielder James Situma through a red card.

Striker John Baraza, Kenyan Premier League’s top marksman limped off after half an hour following a kick-boxing tackle by Ethiopia goalkeeper Assefa Dawit took toll on him.

There has been dressing room unrest in the Stars camp that reportedly saw goalkeeper Willis Ochieng’ forced to watch the matches from the rafters.

HAIR DRYER

FeverPitch understands Ochieng’ got a ‘hair-dryer’ from a normally cool and soft-spoken Muhiddin following a blunder by the IFK Marienhamn goalkeeper against Zambia.

Sources say the custodian hit the roof, too, and could miss the rest of the tournament. But Muhiddin may have been sleeping soundly after Sofapaka goalkeeper Wilson Oburu took the number one jersey with both hands to post heart-warming performances against Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Of concern, however, to the fans that have kept faith with Stars would be to shoot down the Cranes.

"We are getting better. After the defeat against Zambia, I told the boys it should awaken us. I think the loss has had a positive effect on us and we will go on to play well," Muhiddin said after beating Ethiopia.

Muhiddin packed his midfield with two natural defenders, John Njoroge and Ibrahim Shikanda prowling the wings, against Ethiopia and got the crosses and the result he wanted.

Edgar Ochieng’, Jockins Atudo, Chris Wekesa and Julius Owino made the backline and they should feature in Monday’s crucial match.

With Situma suspended, Jerry Santos could be in the frame for the midfield role along with Peter Opiyo, while Wanga could start alongside Patrick Oboya or the fans’ choice, George Odhiambo.

Quietly, Muhiddin could be praying for the day Francis Ouma would jerk into life.