Kenya U18, Junior Stars’ assistant coach Antony Akhulia, has issued a rallying call to fans, urging them to turn out in large numbers for the final match of the ongoing CECAFA Under 18 Boys’ Championship in Kisumu at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium on Friday 8 December.The match slated to kick off at 2.30 pm, presents an opportunity for the junior stars to claim the regional title when they face an equally tough Uganda.Both sides finished top in their respective groups, with the host advancing to the last four unbeaten after winning all the Group A matches, while Uganda bounced from the opening day setback to top Group B with six points.Junior Stars storm CECAFA U18 final with shoot-out win over TanzaniaKenya’s journey at the regional showpiece started with a 5-0 rout over Sudan before they went on to edge Rwanda 1-0 and completed the pooling matches with an emphatic 4-1 win over Somalia at Bukhungu Stadium to book a date with Pool B runners Up Tanzania.In the hotly contested semifinals, the junior Stars exhibited nerves of steel to snatch victory on post-match penalties after a barren draw in regular time to book a slot in the final against the Uganda Junior Cranes who had seen off Rwanda in the first game.Coach Akhulia believes that having a strong fan presence as has been the case in the opening games of the tournament, will provide vital support and motivation for the team.Mwatate United officials move to SDT seeking nullification of merger with Dimba PatriotsIn his message to the fans, he acknowledged that Friday might not be an ideal day for many due to work commitments but encouraged them to make the effort to attend the match.”We are happy that Kenyans have supported us since this tournament started last week and we ask them to come again and support us during the final which will be a tough match,” said Akhulia.”I would like to urge them to come in numbers. We have been getting positive vibes from fans, we know they believe in us, and if they turn up in numbers, it will be a big boost.”The coach made it clear that against Uganda they must make some tactical changes because they will face a strong side. ” We believe the final will be very difficult, but we shall try and win it for the Kenyans, ” added Akhulia.##NAJAVA_MECA_7722633##Akhulia, who doubles up as Bidco United’s head coach in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, further made it clear that the team is determined to try and win the CECAFA U-18 Championship as a reward to all Kenyans.
