Kenya and Tanzania are set for an enthralling African Cup of Nation match on Thursday where both teams will be keen on redeeming their images after shambolic shows in their opening matches. Both teams need a win to keep their hopes of proceeding to the next level alive.
Kenya
Kenya did not look impressive in their opening match against Algeria despite getting into the game with a good record , they were outplayed in every department by the North Africans. However, they can revive their dream of going past the group stage when they play their East Africa neighbours, Tanzania.
In their last five competitive games, Harambee Stars have had a fair run compared to Tanzania as they won twice, drew once and lost twice.
Nonetheless, the Kenyan national team has weaknesses in its defense and striking force as was portrayed during their match against Algeria. Migne’s boys managed zero shots on target and easily conceded two goals; the first goal was scored after Dennis Odhiambo fouled Youcef Attal inside the penalty area and the second goal was scored by Riyad Mahrez when he ghosted unmarked and his shot was deflected home by Abud Omar.
Tanzania
Tanzanians on the other hand fell in the hands of their opponents Senegal with what was an equally poor display. Their second appearance in Africa’s elite competition started on a poor note as they endured a torrid time against the West Africans. All is not lost for Emmanuel Amunike’s boys as they can equally rise from the ground with their match against Harambee Stars.
In their last five competitive games, Taifa Stars have had a poor run winning only once, drawing once and lost thrice.
Their match against Senegal proved that Tanzania have a very weak defense. If it were not for the nice saves of their goalkeeper Aishi Manula, Taifa Stars would have conceded more goals. Their striking force also wasn’t appealing as they made only for shots against their opponents’ 21.
https://youtu.be/ZlNVjkYZrPk
Prediction
In their recent 6 direct matches, both teams have had unpredictable performance as they have both won twice drawn twice and lost twice, making the probable bet be a draw.
READ: Is Harambee Stars missing Dennis Oliech’s leadership?
Harambee Stars squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (St George/ETH), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Faruk Shikalo (Bandari)
Defenders: Joash Onyango, Philemon Otieno (both Gor Mahia), Musa Mohammed (Nkana/ZAM), Bernard Ochieng (Vihiga Utd), Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs/USA), Abud Omar (Sfantu Gheorghe/BUL), Eric Ouma (Vasalunds/SWE), David Owino (Zesco Utd/ZAM)
Midfielders: Ismael Gonzalez (Las Palmas Atletico/ESP), Erick Johanna (Brommapojkarna/SWE), Francis Kahata (Gor), Ovella Ochieng (Vasalunds/SWE), Dennis Odhiambo (Thika Utd), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Bruges/BEL), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe/CHN), Victor Wanyama Tottenham/ENG), Paul Were (Trikala/GRE)
Forwards: John Avire (Sofapaka), Masoud Juma (unattached), Michael Olunga (Kashiya Reysol/CHN)
Taifa Stars squad
Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula (Simba SC),Metacha Mhata (Mbao FC) and Aron Kalambo (TZ Prisons).
Defenders: Hassan Ramadan (Nkana FC), Vincent Phillipo (Mbao FC), Gadiel Michael (Young Africans), Ally Mtoni (Lipuli FC), Mohammed Hussein (Simba SC), Kelvin Yondani (Young Africans), Erasto Nyoni (Simba SC) and Agrey Moris (Azam FC)
Midfielders: Feisal Salum (Young Africans), Himid Mao (Petrojet FC), Mudathir Yahya (Azam FC), Frank Domayo (Azam FC), Farid Mussa (Tenerife) and Yahya Zayd (Ismailia).
Forwards: Rashid Mandawa (BDF), Mbwana Samatta (Genk), Thomas Ulimwengu (JS Saoura), John Bocco (Simba SC), Abdillanie Mussa (Blackpool) and Simon Msuva (Difaä El Jadid).