Confirmed deal : Kenya and Burkina Faso  have Trade from format

 

Harambee Stars begin their Mapinduzi Cup campaign with a tricky match against Burkina Faso at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba, Zanzibar.

Kenya are among the teams considered favourites at the tournament that will now be played in a round-robin format following the late withdrawal of Burundi.

 

 

Harambee Stars are taking the tournament seriously as it is part of their preparations for the African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) with interim coach Francis Kimanzi and captain Aboud Omar keen on a strong performance.

 

 

Kenya and Burkina Faso last faced off in the 2004 African Cup of Nations, when they claimed a 3-0 win, extending their good record against the Stallions that includes three wins and one loss, dating back to 1997.

 

The two teams faced off twice in 1997 in World Cup qualifiers, Kenya winning 4-3 in Nairobi before a 4-2 victory in Ouagadougou but followed it up with a 1-0 loss in a friendly match in June 2000 before the AFCON 2004 triumph.

A lot has changed since then and Kimanzi admits history will play a little part in the outcome of Saturday’s match

 

Organisers have been forced to change the format owing to Burundi’s last-minute withdrawal and having failed to find a replacement with South Sudan declining a late invitation. All teams will now face each other in a round-robin format with the final still scheduled for January 13.

 

Besides Kenya and Burkina Faso, hosts Zanzibar Heroes, Kilimanjaro Stars (Tanzania mainland) and the Cranes of Uganda are the other teams set to feature.