Harambee Sand Stars revive medal hopes ahead of Morocco clash

Kenya’s beach football team, Harambee Sand Stars revived their hopes for a medal at the ongoing Africa Beach Games in Hammamet, Tunisia, after edging out Libya 11-8 in their third game of the five-team tournament on Wednesday 28 June. 

The victory, coupled with Tanzania’s 8-1 loss at the hands of Senegal in the other match, means Kenya can battle for the bronze medal on the final day of action when they take on Morocco on Thursday from 5:15 pm.

Skipper Paul Kavula says they will give their all in that duel to give themselves an opportunity for a podium finish.

“We know it is going to be a difficult match because they are very experienced, but we are experienced as well. We have been growing from the first game and we have really improved after three matches,” said Kavula.

Looking back at the duel against Libya, the skipper said a change in strategy was key in aiding them to victory.

“We looked at how we played the first two matches and we saw that we were a bit defensive. We changed and decided to have more offensive players and put a balance and that is what worked for us. We will use the same strategy against Morocco and hopefully it works,” he noted. 

Kenya to partner with Serbia in football development

Lucky Mrabu and Wilberforce Lugogo, who plays for National Super League (NSL) side SS Assad after ditching FKF Premier League’s Bandari FC in February starred for the Kenyan side, in their win over Libya.

Mrabu scored five goals for Kenyan side while Lugogo found the back of the net thrice.

Earlier on, the team had lost 5-3 to neighbors Tanzania in their second match of the tournament.

Mrabu, Lugogo and Answar Shamuni scored the Kenyan goals, in a match that they could have won were they more enterprising in attack.