Stars’ fate in CECAFA hangs in the balance after Zanzibar loss

Kenya’s national football team Harambee Stars’ fate in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup hangs in the balance after an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Zanzibar who were the whipping boys of the group.

The loss leaves Harambee Stars second in Gropu B with 4 points and zero goal difference as Burundi go top with four points plus 1 goal difference. Burundi are playing Uganda Saturday afternoon and both only need a draw to relegate Harambee Stars to third in the group.

“We didn’t play good enough. Not to the standards that I expect Kenya to play. We conceded good goals from their point of view, but very disappointing from us. They were defendable especially the third one, just a kick at the back,” said a visibly angry Bobby Williamson.

Williamson lamented his boys’ mentality going into the game especially after Zanzibar lost 1-0 to Burundi and 4-0 to Uganda. His team talk was ignored by the players.

“I tried to warn the boys that the 4-0 scoreline was false. Zanzibar were down to 10 men early in the match then 9 men. It was difficult for them and very easy for Uganda. But they never listened. Everybody has had an opportunity, and I know my best team now.”

His best team might be on the plane Monday back to Nairobi if results don’t go his way. Kenya needs Burundi to beat Uganda by any scoreline or Uganda to beat Burundi 2-0.

Any other scoreline will mean Harambee Stars turn to Tanzania and hope they beat the hosts Ethiopia.  That way Kenya will sneak through as one of the best losers in the tournament.