Stars set for minor overhaul ahead of S. Sudan showdown

By Omondi Onyatta

After narrowly losing 1-0 to Uganda Cranes in their opening match of the 2012 Tusker CECAFA tournament, Harambee Stars coach James Nandwa has hinted at several changes in the squad ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with South Sudan.

Some of the players who could be expected to make a first start include winger Paul Were and striker Mike Barasa both of AFC Leopards. Gor Mahia’s pacy midfielder Kevin Omondi could also make an appearance in the starting line-up for the first time.

Coach Nandwa stated that the team was in good shape save for the offense. “Our offense was the main letdown in our first match. A few changes could be needed; I could bring in Paul Were, Barasa and Kelvin Omondi,” Nandwa said.

The changes are expected to reinvigorate the striking department, which clearly lacked the necessary ummph to significantly trouble the Ugandan defence. The frontline duo of Rama Salim and Humphrey Mieno missed several chances before a cruel goal in the 73rd minute proved fatal.

Both teams will be looking for their first victory to avoid the dreaded possibility of early elimination. Nandwa admits that his target is to win the game by two or three goals to put themselves in a safe position.

“We need strikers to inject pace into the game and give us three or two goals. This way, we will be safe in the group,” Nandwa, who is also the coach of TPL side Rangers FC, said.

South Sudan, who lost by a solitary goal to Ethiopia in their first match, will be no walkover. The team, making its maiden appearance in the tourney, matched their opponents in all departments and even had several chances to make a comeback.

Kenya lie third in Group A, rightfully nicknamed the group of death, with zero points behind Ethiopia and Uganda respectively.

First published in November 2012.