Isuza steers Kenya through to CECAFA final

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Dec 14, 2017. 21:36

A solitary goal from Whyvonne Isuza put Kenya into the final of the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge as they beat Burundi 1-0 in the semifinal at Moi Stadium, in Kisumu, on Thursday.

The victory sees the hosts reaching their 13th final and will meet the winner between Uganda and Zanzibar on Sunday.

Having been boosted by their final Group A win over Tanzania, Kenya went into the semifinal clash in high spirits eyeing a win.

However, there were no sparks in the early stages of the semi-final match despite both coaches Paul Put and Olivier Niyungeko, coming up with strong line-ups.

The Harambee Stars were on the front foot in the opening half as they made their intentions clear, but their finishing left a lot to be desired.

Both sides were deadlocked at 0-0 at the end of the opening half.

Upon their return from the tunnel, the Swallows managed to put the hosts under pressure, but were also not able to break down the Stars defence.

The Kenyans enjoyed the ball possession as they had 57% compared to 43% of the Burundians who lacked discipline as they committed six fouls in the second stanza.

Despite both sides pushing for a late winner, there were no goals in the 90 minutes and the encounter went into the extra time.

However, Kenya found the back of the net in the first minute into the extra time as Isuza capitalised to break the deadlock in the 97th minute.

The East Africans held on to their lead and the loss for the Burundians means they will now face the loser between the Cranes of Uganda and Zanzibar on Sunday in the third place play-off.

Kenya (0) 1 (Isuza 97’) - AET

Burundi 0

Kenya: Matasi, C. Mohamed (D. Otieno 75’), Atudo, Sikhayi, Onguso, Omoto, Wendo, Isuza, Ochieng, Odhiambo (Aswani 66’), Oburu (S. Onyango 92’)

Burundi: J. Nehimana, Harerimana, Nshmirimana, Moussa, Ndikumana, Kwizera, Duhayindavyi, S. Nahimana, Razak, Mavugo (Urasenga 101’), Shabani