Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeepers’ trainer John Waw is on cloud nine after watching the club’s young custodian Ibrahim Wanzala display a top draw performance in the CECAFA U18 semi final clash against Tanzania on Tuesday at the Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu.Wanzala put in a solid display in regular time, and made two penalty saves to see Kenya eliminate Tanzania 4-3 in the shootouts after having played 120 minutes of a barren draw.🔥 Savour the moment 👊🗞️ Our youthful custodian Ibrahim Wanzala’s heroic two penalty saves helps Junior Stars sail through to the CECAFA U-18 championship finals against Uganda.That was a good show Babu , congratulations team Kenya 💪@mozzartbetkenya #AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/KqaDblFORo— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) December 5, 2023 Consequently, Kenya will face Uganda in the final scheduled for Friday, with Tanzania taking on Rwanda in the third-place playoff.Waw, who hailed Wanzala for his penalty-saving heroics, said he was proud to see the budding custodian prove reliable for the nation in the hour of need.“I am happy with him for obvious reasons. He proved himself when the national team and the country needed him most,” said Waw.##NAJAVA_MECA_7722624##His goalkeeping abilities displayed in the group stage matches also earned the 17-year-old praise from his trainer at the club level.Waw attributed Wanzala’s performance in the tournament to his hard work and discipline.The former national U17 team goalkeeper has conceded just one goal in the four matches the Junior Stars have played so far in the tournament.”He is having a good tournament, and I think everyone can attest to it. He is talented and disciplined as well,” remarked Waw.Junior Stars storm CECAFA U18 final with shoot-out win over TanzaniaBefore Wanzala was summoned to the national team, he had kept two clean sheets in as many league matches at Homeboyz.Waw said he was pleased to see the former Mayenje Santos goalkeeper replicate club form in the regional tournament.CECAFAU18: Mayanja’s heroic tap sends Uganda into the finalHe, however, cautioned him against getting carried away by the success he has had so far in the tournament.“He is on top of his game currently. I will, however, advise him to forget about the past matches and fully focus on the final. He has a bright future ahead of him,” added Waw, who played for the national team during his active years.
