Stars keeper Shikhalo reflects Mapinduzi Cup heroics

Kenyan international Farouk Shikhalo says self-belief was key to his outstanding performance in the Mapinduzi Cup final in Zanzibar where they edged rivals Simba 4-3 on penalties.

The former Bandari FC goalkeeper made a decisive stop to deny his Kenyan counterpart Joash Onyango from the spot in the shootout as his side edged a final that ended in a barren draw in regular time.

“Knowing Onyango was not the secret behind my best good performance but self-confidence”, explained Shikhalo.
Shikhalo was again the hero in the semis, saving two penalties against Azam FC and was named the goalkeeper of the tournament.

Other Kenyans Francis Kahata and Joash Onyango claimed player of the tournament and man of the match respectively.

Simba defender Joash Onyango whose penalty was saved by Shikhalo on his side has mentioned the shoot outs as luck and it was his bad day despite scooping the man of the match award in the final.

“No one owns the penalties, it was just bad luck to me against my country man Shikhalo”.

On the award, “I would like to thank God and then my fellow players for working together as this award is all ours”.

The rivalry between the two Tanzanian giants will now go back to the league where Young Africans lead the table with 44 points after 18 matches, 9 points ahead of Simba who have played 3 matches less due to Champions League participation.