Games and Sports
Shabana Go For Big Win Against Arab
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 07 July 2007 09:03
The inclusion of three key players who did not play in the first leg encounter would greatly improve the teams performance in today's match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, team officials say.
The three players - midfielder Peter Kakonge, strikers Robinson "Ayatollah" Makhoha and Ismail Abdul - were named in the final line up that will play against the Sudanese.
The eagerly awaited match, which is the talk of the town, is expected to be explosive as the home boys must win by at least three goals to nil to sail into the second round of the tournament for league runners' up.
Shabana are hoping to exact sweet revenge on the Sudanese who beat them 2-0 in Port Sudan a fortnight ago and if the current form by the local boys is anything to go by, then fans should expect an exciting game .
However, it will not be an easy task for new-look Shabana outfit who must put aside their financial woes to beat the battle-hardened Hay Al Arab who have several international players in their line up.
On Thursday, Shabana held their last training session at Afraha Stadium and coach Flemming Jacobsen exuded confidence that his boys will cancel the 2-0 deficit.
"We know the task ahead is monumental but I want to assure our fans that the boys are now ready for the big match and we expect to beat our opponents without much difficulty tomorrow," said the Dane.
He said that he had injected new strength in the squad by introducing the three new players who failed to travel for the first leg due to various reasons.
When the Nation visited the team at the Afraha Stadium shortly after their morning workout, the players said they will give a good account of themselves and promised to deliver the goods .
Towering striker Robinson Makhoha, who is probably the most experienced player in the side, said he was optimistic that they will beat the Sudanese at home.
"The whole playing unit has promised to play their hearts out and if our Nakuru fans give us maximum support then the Sudanese will return home empty handed," said Makhoha .
Harambee Stars striker Geoffrey Okoth who has been instrumental for Shabana in the domestic front is also expected to spearhead his side to victory while veteran defender Rashid Omar who is also the deputy coach will be the key man in the defence.
Jack Gatheru will be the man to beat between the posts.
Captain Sammy Opwapo said the mood at the camp was upbeat and all the players had passed the fitness test and no injuries had been reported
