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Ezekiel Akwana has explained the tactics he will deploy to win their clash against Naivas next week having won the first leg 1-0 on Saturday.
Sofapaka stand-in coach Ezekiel Akwana will stop at nothing to make sure he sees off next week’s return leg playoff match against Naivas after they sealed victory with a 1-0 win over the NSL side in a clash that took place at the Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday.
A Jacob Onyango striker was enough to give Sofapaka the crucial first leg win, and they will now be hoping they can avoid defeat in the next clash to secure their safety in the playoff.
Speaking to the media after the match, Akwana admitted that his aim was not to come for the win during the match, but rather, to avoid defeat to give them an edge when they host Naivas at the Dandora Stadium next Sunday.
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15:51 - 06.07.2024
Francis Kimanzi & Twahir Muhiddin explain how Harambee Stars can qualify for AFCON 2025
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“We were not coming to win. We came for a draw because we were away. We wanted just the point advantage but it worked in our favor,” Akwana told the media after the match.
“There are another 90 minutes to play, so we have to work very hard.”
Commentating on Onyango’s performance, who only came in after Darius Msagha had to be stretched off the pitch after picking up an injury, Akwana expressed unsatisfaction with some aspects of how he fared despite getting the winning goal.
“He did not play badly but he also did not play well either. There are things he was supposed to do that he did not do.
15:51 - 06.07.2024
Francis Kimanzi & Twahir Muhiddin explain how Harambee Stars can qualify for AFCON 2025
Former Harambee Stars coaches Francis Kimanzi and Twahir Muhiddin have detailed how Kenya can navigate past Cameroon, Namibia and Zimbabwe and qualify for AFCON 2025.
“Even in the first half, we played well and created some good chances but did not make use of them, so it was about moments. His moment came and he utilised it.”
Akwana has appeared to hint at using unorthodox methods in the return leg just to make sure his side eventually wins the clash on aggregate to maintain their Premier League status next season.“We are already in the Premier League. I am sure we will stay. I wanted to draw this match and won. I do not need to win at home.
“I just need to play dirty and we will be there.”
Asked what he meant by “playing dirty", he drew reference to the ongoing movement in Kenya by the youth, which is seeing to help bring changes to the country’s political standing.“By playing dirty, I mean we will play well. Gen Z taught me how to play well. I am sorry for that.”
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12:30 - 06.07.2024
Engin Firat explains why emphasising on young players will create solid foundations for sustained Harambee Stars success
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has explained why he has taken an intentional approach to blood young players into the team.
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