Stars duo to miss final
Kenya will have to do without the services of striker Victor Ochieng and Bernard Mangoli when they face Uganda in a highly anticipated Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup final at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday.
The AFC Leopards forward collided with Ahmed Adeyom in the air after coming on as a second-half substitute in the Harambee Stars’ 6-4 win over Zanzibar in a thrilling last-four tie on Thursday.
The dangerous challenge led to Adeyom’s dismissal after he received his second yellow card of the match, as Ochieng was stretchered off the pitch.
Even though the player escaped a serious injury, coach James Nandwa has ruled him out of the tournament decider.
“It was a dangerous tackle but I am glad he (Ochieng) is out of danger. Doctors are still assessing and monitoring him but from the scans there is nothing to worry about. There is no internal bleeding or fracture,” said Nandwa.
“However, I don’t think if he will be available for the final match on Saturday. He needs time to recover and I cannot gamble by rushing him back to action.”
Ochieng joins his club teammate Mang’oli on the injury list. Mang’oli suffered a knee injury during the quarter-final tie against Malawi.
Despite the injuries, coach Nandwa will be hoping to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Ugana earlier in the competition. Kenya have qualified for the final of the regional tournament for the first time in over a decade.
