Kenya’s Harambee Stars were the better side as they secured a 2-0 victory over neighbours Kilimanjaro Stars of Tanzania in their second group-stage match of the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup played at Gombani Stadium, Zanzibar.
This crucial win earned Kenya a crucial three points in the tournament which Kenya seeks to win for the first time.
Both teams played out a goalless first half as both sides made attempts to break the deadlock with no success.
The Kenyans came into the second half more clinical as the game took a decisive turn with Kenya seemingly the better side.
Boniface Muchiri broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure from the Kenyan side. The second goal came in the 67th minute when youngster Ryan Ogam netted his first goal for the senior national team, sealing the victory.
Kenya now sits atop the group with four points, level with Burkina Faso but leading on goal difference. The team will shift focus to their next match against hosts Zanzibar on Friday, January 10, 2025. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM at Gombani Stadium.
The Mapinduzi Cup offers Kenya a valuable opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the upcoming CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania later this year.
This four-team friendly tournament, organised by the Zanzibar Football Federation, features hosts Zanzibar, Burkina Faso, Kenya and Tanzania.
