Kenya: Ismailia Jet in for Paka Duel

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

William Njuguna

30 March 2011

Egyptian side Ismailia arrive tomorrow for the return leg match of the second round of the CAF Cup against hosts Sofapaka at Nyayo stadium on Saturday.

Ismailia’s entourage comprises of 25 players and 15 officials. Keeper Mohammed Sobhi lead a star-studded side that also has defenders Ibrahim Yehia, Ahmed Sedik and Moatasem Salem. Their midfield will be led by Hosny Abdo Rabou, Ahmed Samir, Shadi Mohammed and Mohammed Soliman while the strikers include Mohamed Abougreisha, Mostafa Gaafar among others.

Ismailia boost a 2-0 lead from the first leg played in Cairo a fortnight ago but Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana is optimistic his side can turn around the score.

He said they intend to score early into the match, inside the first quarter, to give themselves a chance for a successful recovery.

“We must score early if we are to make any headway in the qualification for the quarter finals,” observed Akwana. He said there stands a big possibility to beat the team after failing to capitalise on the chances they created in the first leg encounter. “I have never seen my team play this well and not scored. We created a lot of chances but we failed to utilise them. We can’t have a repeat of that on Saturday,” insisted Akwana.

Akwana will welcome back attacking midfielder Bob Mugalia for this clash after he missed the first leg with suspension after picking up two yellow cards against Aviacao in the first round of the competition. “It’s good to have Mugalia back in the team and we will be stronger with him in the team. I expect him to cause problems for the Egyptians,” he added.

Akwana said the goalkeeper Zachariah Onyango is making quick recovery and will be certain to play in the match having sat out of the first leg clash in Cairo. The first choice stopper is still recuperating and will not be available until mid season. “Onyango is making quick recovery and I hope he will be fit for the match. He is a very good keeper and commands he penalty box area very well,” Akwana observed.

Meanwhile, Kenya Football Federation have given Harambee Stars another reason to smile for their win over Agola as they promised the team a Sh100, 000 cash award. The team is currently in Nigeria, where they were set to play the hosts, Super Eagles in an international friendly match last night.

KFF chairman Sam Nyamweya said the boys deserve a token of appreciation following their scintillating display against Angola’s Pancras Negras in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

He also emphasised the need for the players to maintain discipline and continue working work hard to post such results in their remaining qualifying matches.

Nyamweya made the remarks over the weekend during the KFF Nairobi branch sponsored Kamukunji constituency tournament finals at the Pumwani grounds, where hosts Pumwani United beat Kakakuona 1-0 to clinch the title. Nicholas Maloba scored the all important goal in the 36th minute.

The winning team pocketed Sh35,000 and a trophy while runners up got Sh20,000 a trophy and a ball. Outering FC and Kiambio who finished third and fourth respectively pocketed Sh10,000 and 6,000 respectively.

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