Best 11 of Cecafa Senior Challenge 2017

Kenya players celebrates after winning the CECAFA Senior challenge cup at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on ?unday 17/12/17.[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

After a wearying and exciting two weeks of 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup football action, we summarize the star performers from the regional tournament based on their action in Kakamega, Kisumu, and Machakos.

 Talent was in plenty, as were the players. Some were new revelations, while to others, it was a new ball game. But here is our ?nal selection.

Patrick Matasi (Kenya)

The Posta Rangers shot-stopper chalked up five clean sheets before making three heroic penalty saves to hand Kenya their seventh Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup title. He won the player of the tournament and best goalkeeper awards.

Dennis Sikhayi (Kenya)

 He was exceptional and a delight to watch on the right-back. His confidence and retention of the ball was unbelievable. He may just have cemented his place in Paul Put’s team.

Haji Mwinyi (Zanzibar)

 He was consistent in the tournament and gave opposing defenders nightmares whenever he joined in the attack. He was hugely influential in Zanzibar’s impressive march to the final.

 Jockins Atudo (Kenya)

 Stoic as a rock at the heart of the defence, Atudo seems not to be growing any older. He was outstanding as he formed a successful combination with Musa Mohammed, Wesley Onguso, and Dennis Sikhayi.

Moussa Omar (Burundi)

 Partnering Atudo in central defence was Burundian defender Moussa Omar. He had a sensational run with some exemplary shows for the Swallows, especially against deposed champions Uganda in their opening Group B match.

Hassan Makame (Zanzibar)

 He was arguably the talk of the tournament, winning plenty of admirers, not only for his combative style of play but more importantly for his great vision and brilliant passing. He was the inspiration behind Zanzibar’s vibrant displays, scoring his second goal of the tournament in their 2-1 semifinal win over deposed champions Uganda

 Patillah Omoto (Kenya)

After months of criticism, the diminutive midfielder is now slowly carving himself into a cult figure in Paul Put’s team. He is the type of player who has all the necessary tools required for a modern-day midfielder. ...as for the first time since 1979, holders Manchester United face lowly-ranked Bristol City tomorrow.

Milton Kalisa (Uganda)

 The Vipers winger was the danger man and no defender wished to face him. Whenever he got the ball on the flank, he ran at the defenders with pace.

Derrick Nsibimba (Uganda)

 Despite Uganda Cranes’ failure to retain the trophy, Nsibimba was phenomenal, creating chances and scoring goals. The KCCA striker bagged the golden boot award after finishing with four goals.  Shassir

Nahimana (Burundi)

He scored a couple of important goals for Burundi. His mobility and work rate was exceptional, showing plenty of pace and punch on the attack.

Fiston Abdoul (Burundi)

 Though Abdoul wasn’t at his best in this tournament, the former Sofapaka forward had some decisive moments in games where he got his Burundian team through.