
The 2013 finalists for the Cecafa Cup are known, and it will be hosts Kenya taking on Sunday on Thursday at Nyayo Stadium. Sudan has qualified to the final after beating guests Zambia 2-1 after extra time in the first semifinal match played in Mombasa. Kenya then edged the battle of the Stars by a slender 1-0 victory over Tanzania. Both matches were played on Tuesday December 10.
There were few scoring chances in the first half with Zambia going close with a free-kick that needed the Sudanese goalkeeper to be at his best to keep it goalless. Sudan had the better of chances and exchanges in the second half with Salah Ibrahim a constant threat to the opposition but neither side could break the deadlock.
Zambians scored first through Ronald Kampamba only for Sudan to equalise not long after through Miaaz Abdelraham from assistance provided by Ibrahim. It was Ibrahim who completed the turnaround for Sudan with an exquisite volleyball late into the game. It proved to be the winner
Meanwhile the other semifinal match between hosts Kenya and neighbours Tanzania had to be moved from Machakos Stadium to Nyayo after a heavy downpour made the pitch unplayable
The early chances fell to Kenya who took the lead after Teddy Akumu stung Tanzanian goalkeeper, Ivo Mapunda’s palms with a powerful shot which he punched back into play and Clifton Miheso turned in the rebound for the opener.
The goal seemed to have assisted Kenya in dominating play and subduing Tanzania. Mapunda remained the busier of the two goalkeepers denying Francis Kahata a second for Kenya on 30th minute. Tanzania were an improved side after the break and almost equalised when striker Thomas Ulimwengu‘s shot hit the crossbar.
Kenya hung on to reach the final where they will meet Sudan on Thursday 12th December, while Zambia and Tanzania will play for third and fourth places.
Confederation of African Football News
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