James Bakama, B. Mugooda, and C.Okalebo
8 January 2009
Kampala — BURUNDI and Kenya beat pre-tournament favourites Zambia and Sudan to the CECAFA Challenge Cup Group B semi-finals slots yesterday. Zambia's dreams were shattered by a 2-0 loss to defending champions Sudan, a result that assured Burundi and Kenya of semi-final slots even before kick-off of their encounter at Nakivubo.
Kenya, who topped the group with eight points, will take on Group A runners-up at the next stage while Burundi, who finished second will face the Kampala pool's winner.
A well taken Osborne Monday 60th minute pen¬alty after a foul by goal keeper Vladmir Niyunkuru was all Harambee Stars needed to advance.
Kenya's assistant coach Yusuf Kippo, who stood in for suspended Francis Kimanzi, was brimming with confidence. "We have no preference on which team we should face next. We can take on any team," said Kippo.
In the earlier match, 2007 top scorer Abdulhamid Amari belatedly found his scoring form after 33 minutes, by volleying in a Nesreldine Omar pass.
Eltahib Elmahi made it two 15 minutes after recess. Eltahib perfectly control¬led a long ball from goalkeeper Abedel Rahman and outsprinted veteran defender Elijah Tana to stab the ball past Zambian custodian Jacob Banda.
Zambian coach Herve Renard a cut very different figure from the tactician who pompously stated that his side was miles ahead of other teams.
The Frenchman, who complained that his side couldn't produce its best in Bugembe because of a poor playing surface, looked on in silence as the Chipolopolo failed to put their act together on the better Nakivubo turf.
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