Harambee Stars began their quest for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their opening match on Saturday, 4th January, 2025 at the Gombeni Stadium.
The game started with both teams vying for control, with Kenya displaying early attacking prowess in an attempt to break down Burkina Faso’s defense. However, it was not until the 45+1 minute that the deadlock was broken. Boniface Muchiri delivered a precise free kick that found James Kinyanjui, who calmly put the ball into the back of the net to give Kenya a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Determined to hold onto their lead, Kenya made tactical changes, including a triple substitution in the 67th minute. Darius Msagah, Chrispine Erambo, and Bajaber Mohammed were introduced to inject fresh energy into Kenya’s gameplay, replacing Michael Mutinda, James Kinyanjui, and Kelly Madada.
As the match approached its conclusion, Burkina Faso seized an opportunity from a momentary lapse in Kenya’s defense. Aboubacar Traoré scored the equalizer in the 89th minute, resulting in a final score of 1-1.
Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to their next tournament fixture against hosts Tanzania, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
The match showcased Kenya’s determination and resilience, highlighting their potential in the competition. With the tournament just beginning, fans can expect more exciting matches and spirited performances from Harambee Stars as they aim to make their mark in the Mapinduzi Cup.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the tournament progresses.
