Tanzania/Kenya: Yanga Held By Gor Mahia

Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

22 June 2011

MAINLAND Premier League champions, Yanga, managed a 1-1 draw with visiting Gor Mahia of Kenya in an international friendly match played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

Yanga were using the match to shape themselves up ahead of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) Kagame Castle Cup, which is scheduled to kick off in the city on Saturday.

Yanga’s Ghanaian striker, Kenneth Asamoah, notched the opener after 75 minutes with a power packed shot as he connected home a pass from midfielder, Kigi Makasi. Gor Mahia then drew level five minutes later through Dennis Okoch, who banged home a rebound after Yanga keeper was outfoxed by a fierce shot from Gor Mahia striker, Moses Odhiambo, which ricocheted off the post.

Yanga were a more organized side in the second half as compared to the first, which saw the Kenyans dominate the game. The Jangwani Street side is in group B of the CECAFA Kagame Castle Cup with El Merreikh of Sudan, Uganda’s Bunamwaya SC and Elman FC of Somalia.

Meanwhile, Bunamwaya SC coach, Edward Golola, is beaming with confidence despite having to face two former winners in the tournament. Golola’s team was paired with Tanzania’s three-time winners, Yanga, two-time champions, El Merreikh, and Elman in group B, which is termed as the group of death.

Yanga have been included in the tournament after the regional football governing body, Cecafa, lifted a three year ban imposed on the Jangwani Street team. “That’s a difficult group,” Golola acknowledged.

“But we are going to represent Uganda soundly with lots of ambition.” On their maiden appearance, Bunamwaya will open their campaign against Somalia champions, Elman on Monday before facing Yanga, coached by Ugandan Sam Timbe, on Wednesday.

They will wind up with El Merreikh. “I think El Merreikh and Yanga are the favourites here. We also know Timbe’s credentials in region,” he added in shrugging off pressure and commending the three-time CECAFA championship winning coach.

“Our opening game is vital.” However, Bunamwaya assistant coach, Richard Wasswa, sounded unbothered with the draw. “We need to get out of the group stage and prove ourselves. It is about our determination and not the team we are going to play. My players are eager to prove themselves and we will make it,” Wasswa said.

Bunamwaya will be without their key players, Cranes defender, Godfrey Walusimbi, midfielders, Caesar Okhuti and Sadam Juma, who have turned professional in Vietnam.

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