Samata inspires Kili Stars to win

Mbwana Samata

Kilimanjaro Stars ended the preliminary matches on high after defeating Burundi by      a single goal in the final Group B match played at the Afraha Stadium here yesterday to book their quarter-final clash against either Group C winners or whichever team finishes as first best loser at the end of today’s final group stage matches.

 TP Mazembe’s talismanic striker Mbwana Samata made his presence felt here seven minutes into the game when he headed home a beautiful goal-bound aerial cross by midfielder Thomas Ulimwengu from the right flank to send Burundi goalkeeper the wrong way. 


Samata’s glancing header rested the ball on the far post as few Tanzanian fans who bothered to turn out here exploded in jubilation.
Kili Stars pinned Burundi to their own half in most of the opening half with the later attempting sporadic attacks that never troubled goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda. 

Midway into the opening half Salum threw overboard the best opportunity that would have increased the tally for Kili Stars when he blasted the ball over the crossbar with goalkeeper to beat off Samata’s spade work from the left flank. 

Burundi kicked off the second half impressively to besiege the Kili Stars goal as Mainland resorted to defending instead of launching attacks upfront.

 Kili Stars were to a big extent losing composure deep into second half as coach Kim Poulsen introduced Haruna Chanongo who replaced off form Amri Kiemba to launch attacks. To intensify attacks and weaken Burundi, Poulsen was forced to call in teenager Ramadhan Singano for lackluster Mrisho Ngasa who was not in his vibrancy form upfront.

Kili Stars like the rest of the teams that have qualified into the last four stages of the tournament are now proceeding to Mombasa for the weekend fireworks. 
The presence o fTP Mazembe duo of Mbwana Samata and Thomas Ulimwengu who arrived here early this week substantially provided huge boost in yesterday’s encounter.

Kili Stars, who have been struggling to win group stage matches, are now in pole position to make semifinal progression in Kisumu later next week. 

Kili Stars have wrapped up seven points having won twice and drawn once.
Of the teams that advanced into the quarterfinals, holders Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Mainland Tanzania and Zambia have maintained unbeaten run. 

The final Group C matches at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi are today as holders Uganda and Ethiopia have identical statistics ahead of the clashes.

 Uganda will have to play against Sudan in a formality match to rank the teams while eliminated Eritrea face Rwanda who need to win by big margin to secure the best loser ticket and sail into the quarters.