Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division Two side Bungoma Stars’ head coach Sylvestus Lichungu has heaped praises on his charges after they executed another underdog triumph, defeating favorites FC Talanta 1-0 in the Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32 match played at the Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday.The Bungoma-based team scored their sole goal in the 38th minute courtesy of Meshack Karani. The win for the lower-tier side meant that effectively secured passage to the tournament’s Round of 16 where they will lock horns with Sofapaka FC.The side started the tournament with a 2-1 win over FKF Premier League representatives Bandari FC in the preliminary round game played at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma on January 28.Speaking on what led to their impressive win, Lichungu noted that his charges’ ability to retain the ball worked wonders. He further pointed out that they played a fast-paced game, which was a headache to their opponents.“What worked for my team is that we tried to retain the ball because in football, if your opponent scores, it means you did not have the ball. They cannot score if you are enjoying possession. That was our stronghold. Also, when we got the ball, my boys are young and they were fast. We played a fast-paced game and they could not keep up,” he averred.##NAJAVA_MECA_7910320##The gaffer showered praises on Karani, noting that he was one of the vintage players in the team. He was glad that his experience brought new energy to the team.“His experience was also vital in our win. The boys were working as a team, and when the ball reached his side, he knew what to do,” he praised.Police FC midfielder called up to South Sudanese national teamWhen asked on what to expect when they face Sofapaka FC, Lichungu was confident that his charges would sparkle. He noted that stronger opponents only motivated the team to train harder.“It is good to get stronger opponents. It motivates the boys to know that the work ahead of them is big and they have to be prepared and work harder. Unlike when they get weaker opponents, they underate them, and the game. But if they are playing against a big team, they become sharp from the first minute to the last.” he offered.He further assured that they would deploy their ‘underdog techniques’ to emerge victorious. He called for calm from Bungoma Stars’ fans, expressing confidence that the boys would proceed to the quarters.“We will be at our best and ensure to score in the first minutes. They (Sofapaka) will be under pressure and I do not think they will defeat us. We will win and proceed to the quarters,” he concluded.
