Junior Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia sends message to fans ahead of Uganda clash

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FOOTBALL Junior Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia sends message to fans ahead of Uganda clash

Festus Chuma 08:54 - 08.12.2023

Junior Stars coach Akhulia seeks fan support for CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship final against Uganda, as Kenya triumphs over Tanzania.

Junior Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia is resolute in the technical bench's mission to lead the team to victory as they prepare to face Uganda in the finals on Friday. 

Kenya secured their spot in the championship showdown after a heart-pounding 4-3 penalty shootout victory over arch-rivals Tanzania.

The semis clash between the two nations proved to be a test of nerves and skills as the two teams battled through 120 minutes of goalless play. 

However, it was Kenya's goalkeeper, Ibrahim Wanzala, who emerged as the hero of the day by saving two crucial penalty kicks taken by Tanzania's Said Said and Sharif Wilson. With nerves of steel, Wanzala helped secure Kenya's spot in the final.

In the other semifinal, Uganda narrowly edged past Rwanda with a lone goal scored by Abubaker Mayanja after 54 minutes of play.

Morley Byekwaso Ochama, the Ugandan coach, recognized the significance of the upcoming final and emphasized the need for better preparation to face Kenya's formidable team. 

The CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship final promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Kenya takes on Uganda on Friday. Meanwhile, Rwanda and Tanzania will battle it out for third place in the tournament's play-off.

Assistant coach Akhulia expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from Kenyan fans and urged them to come out in full force for the final.

"We are happy that Kenyans have supported us since this tournament started last week, and we ask them to come again and support us during the final, which will be a tough match," said Akhulia. 

The experienced gaffer also emphasized that facing Uganda in the final would require some tactical changes, as they are up against a strong and determined opponent.

 "We believe the final will be very difficult, but we shall try and win it for the Kenyans," added Akhulia.

In the group stage, Kenya demonstrated their prowess with impressive victories. They began by thrashing Sudan 5-0, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win against Rwanda, and a convincing 4-1 victory over Somalia. 

On the other hand, Uganda started their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Tanzania but quickly rebounded with a 2-1 win against Zanzibar and a 2-0 triumph over South Sudan to secure their spot in the final. 

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