Mapinduzi Cup: Kenya to renew rivalry with Tanzania

Harambee Stars players celebrate their goal against Burkina Faso. [FKF Media]

The stage is set for a high-stakes clash as Kenya's Harambee Stars take on Tanzania's Taifa Stars in the second group match of the ongoing Mapinduzi Cup on Tuesday from 7pm at Gombani Stadium, Zanzibar.

Both teams are eager to secure a first win of the tournament, with Kenya looking to end a seven-match winless run.

Kenya opened the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso last Saturday, a match that saw the Stars concede a late equaliser, denying them a much-needed win.

Interim coach Francis Kimanzi believes his side will rise to the occasion against their East African neighbours, urging his players to shake off stage fright, which he identified as their main weakness in the opener.

"We had the game in our hands but let it slip away in the final moments. The boys showed glimpses of what they are capable of, but we must maintain focus for the entire 90 minutes. Tanzania is a tough opponent, but we are ready for the challenge," said Kimanzi.

Kenya's last victory came in September last year when they stunned Namibia 2-1 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in South Africa.

Since then, Harambee Stars have struggled, losing twice to Cameroon (4-1 and 1-0), falling to South Sudan (2-0), and drawing against Namibia and Burkina Faso.

Despite recent struggles, Kenya boasts a better head-to-head record against Tanzania. In the last 17 encounters, Harambee Stars have won nine times, while Taifa Stars have managed just three victories.

Tanzania's most recent win was during the CHAN qualifiers in August 2019, where Taifa Stars edged Kenya 1-0.

Tanzania, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to hosts Zanzibar Heroes in the opening match.

The Taifa Stars will be under pressure to deliver, knowing that another loss could end their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

Harambee Stars also have their eyes on the final group match against Zanzibar Heroes on Friday evening. Both games are must-win encounters if Kenya is to advance in the competition and restore confidence among their fans.

The Mapinduzi Cup, which features Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and hosts Zanzibar, has already delivered surprises, with Zanzibar pulling off a historic win over Tanzania.

Today's showdown promises to add more excitement to the tournament as regional rivals clash in what is set to be a thrilling East African derby.

The tournament which will climax on January 10th, 2025 and played to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution of Zanzibar is organized by the government of Zanzibar and Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF).