Kenya, Ethiopia blame draw on poor preps

By Swalley Kenyi

GOtv CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Kenya 0 Ethiopia 0

Zanzibar 2 South Sudan 1

Thursday

Burundi v Somalia

Tanzania v Zambia

Friday

Uganda v Rwanda 

Sudan v Eritrea

KENYA assistant coach James Nandwa and his Ethiopian counterpart Sewnet Bishaw have blamed their goalless start to the GOtv CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup on poor preparation prior to the annual championship.

Harambee Stars survived a penalty appeal but wasted three scoring opportunities through David Gatere, Allan Wanga and Francis Kahata as Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the game at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi in turns.

A win could have given the Harambee Stars a great encouragement in the competition they are desperate to win as the country marks 50 years of political independence.

“We did not have proper training. We did not have the opportunity. Even after arriving here last night we only stretched because there were no floodlights to train under. But I’m happy with what the team has achieved,” Bishaw said.

Ethiopian fans in the stands booed Ugandan referee Denis Batte in protest as he appeared to have denied the "Walias" of Ethiopia a penalty when a Kenyan defender seemingly handled the ball in his area.

The draw puts Kenya and Ethiopia level (second position) behind Group A leaders Zanzibar, who secured a 2-1 win over a greatly improved South Sudan in the opening game of the 2013 CECAFA Championship.

“We have not had enough preparation. We would have done better but we have identified where to improve. I am sure when the coach (Adel Amrouche) recovers, we shall do better,” Nandwa said after the match.

Sulieman Serembe’s fifth minute goal and Ahmed Saleh’s in the 68th put ensured Zanzibar secured the first win at the 2013 regional championship on Wednesday. 

Fabiano Lako scored for the much improved South Sudan with a low shot. It is the second time the world newest country is taking part in the competition. Last year in Kampala, they bowed out winless.

But it was his counterpart Jimmy Eresto, who walked away with a GOtv decoder as a prize for being voted man of the match.

The games continue on Thursday when Burundi take on Somalia and Tanzania face Zambia in Group B encounters at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. The defending champions Uganda Cranes entertain arch-rivals Rwanda in Group C on Friday.

The top three finishers of the 2013 championship have a cash prize of $100,000 to share.