Zanzibar edge South Sudan in CECAFA opener

Nov 27, 2013

ZANZIBAR Heroes got off to a flying start when they beat Southern Sudan 2-1 in the GOtv Senior Challenge Cup at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi

By Reuben Olita

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Zanzibar 2 Southern Sudan 1

ZANZIBAR Heroes got off to a flying start when they beat Southern Sudan 2-1 in the GOtv Senior Challenge Cup at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Suleiman Serembe scored the first goal of the tournament in the fifth minute when he capitalized on the blunder by Southern Sudan goalkeeper to score from close range shot.

Ahmed  Saleh made it 2-0 for the Islanders in the 68th minute to put them in full command before Fabiano Lako pulled one back for Southern Sudan, beating  Abdalla Rashid Abdalla with a low shot.

Zanzibar Heroes were bronze medalists in Kampala last year after beating their compatriots Kilimanjaro Stars.

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South Sudan's James Joseph (R) fights for the ball with Zanzibar's Sabri Ali Makame. AFP Photo

Coach Salum Bausi has promised to better that performance and win this year’s event. Southern Sudan’s Jimmy Eresto was voted the man of the match making him the GOtv decoder prize award winner.

Eresto said the award was a pleasant surprise for him and promised to lead the team to victory in the second match. 
“We did our best but lady luck was not on our side conceding three points.”

Southern Sudan were chasing their first win in the Championships after losing all their matches in last year’s event in Kampala but a goal proved elusive for  them.

Coach Ismail Obanga the loss was an eye opener for them and exuded confidence of excelling in their games against Kenya and Ethiopia to advance to the knockout stage.

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South Sudan's James Joseph (R) vies with Zanzibar's Mohamed FakiKhatib. AFP Photo

He said they were not bitter with the loss  but promised football fans  more good  football  in the second game  which will be do or die for them.

Uganda Cranes who will play their group games in Machakos, 64km south East of Kenya’s capital Nairobi watched the match after participating in the opening ceremony that was by former Kenya Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

Coach Micho Sredojevic said the team was ready to face Rwanda in their opening match of Group C tomorrow and expressed confidence of emerging victors.

Micho said the camp was in upbeat mood with players adjusting to Kenya’s climate.

“We are hoping the Sunny Machakos town will be ideal for us.”

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