Stars aim to outshine Zanzibar Heroes

Harambee Stars Vincent Oburu (left) celebrate with George Odhiambo during CECAFA tournament match against Tanzania at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County. Dec 11, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

History is about to be written as curtains fall on the 39th edition of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County today. If you are an Harambee Stars or Zanzibar Heroes fan, brace yourself for an epic encounter at 3pm. The two sides will be meeting in a highly anticipated ?nal for the second time in less than a week with stakes high.

 While hosts Kenya will be out to prove their prowess by reclaiming the title they last won in 2013, the Heroes will be aiming to lift their ?rst regional title in 26 years. The two teams battled to barren draw in a Group A showdown at the same venue last Saturday before both of them beat their respective semi-?nals opponents to set up a ?nal rematch.

 Kenya saw off a resilient Burundi 1-0 in the extra time on Thursday before the Heroes continued with their giant-killing spree, stunning defending champions Uganda 2-1 the following day in Kisumu. Save for Zanzibar coach Hemed Suleiman’s prediction, nobody else had thought of seeing the two teams in the ?nal that will be preceded by a third place playoff match between Uganda and Burundi at 1pm.

 “It is a prediction come true. I had talked about Kenya and Zanzibar meeting in the ?nal based on their performance in the Group of death. We both deserve to be in the ?nal and I am not surprised that we are going to meet again,” Suleiman told The Standard Sports.

 “With all the problems we had, I am really proud of my players’ for their sacri?ce and commitment, more so in our game against champions Uganda. Nobody gave us a chance since the beginning of the tournament and here we are in the ?nal. So, personally I think we have over achieved.”

 Despite playing his cards close to his chest, Suleiman warned Kenya to prepare for a difficult match. “Kenya is a strong team with quality players and that is why I have much respect for them. But this is a ?nal and anything is possible. Yes, we have met Kenya before, but I really doubt if history will count for anything in the ?nal. I know it will be a tactical game, but we will ?ght to the last drop of our blood,” he said.

Just like Suleiman, Paul Put believes Harambee Stars have proved their critics wrong by reaching the ?nal as he eyes his maiden silverware as Kenya’s coach.

“Did people believe we will go to the finals from the beginning? I have the belief and all Kenyans must now rally behind the boys; we will try to do our level best. I have told my players, this an occasion to show the whole world what Kenya is made of. I hope we can do wonders Players to watch in the ?nal,” he said With lead striker Masoud Juma injured and Vincent Oburu doubtful, Kepha Aswani is likely to spearhead Kenya’s attack with Patrick Matasi manning the posts. On the Zanzibar side, defensive mid?elder Hussein Makame is the man most likely to create danger for the