CECAFA Kagame Cup: Kenya Police dominate, Ethiopian Coffee scrap out a point

East Africa’s CECAFA Kagame Cup got underway on Tuesday at the General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In the tournament opener, Kenyan champions Police FC started off with a dominant victory while the second match ended scoreless between Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars and Ethiopian Coffee SC.

Djiboutian side Garde Côtes stood little chance against there opponents from the FKF Premier League, who snatched the lead in the 17th minute with Erick Zakayo’s precise strike from distance. Soon after the half hour mark, David Simiyu’s acrobatic finish from a cross doubled the lead for the Cops. Two second half goals in quick succession confirmed an easy three points for the Kenyan club champions.

The second match between Tanzania Federation Cup finalists Singida Black Stars and Ethiopian Coffee ended with a 0-0 draw to wrap up the opening day of Group A.

Singida Black Stars lacked sharpness throughout a stale affair while Ethiopian Coffee were limited to counterattacking opportunities. Coffee had no choice but to utilize defensive tactics after goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim was sent off when the Ghanaian came off his line to save and handled the ball outside his penalty area, resulting in a red card early in the second half.

However, the Addis Ababa giants were able to hold on for a point and will face group minnows Garde Côtes on Friday. Singida Black Stars clash with Kenya Police, also on Friday.

Group B begins play on Wednesday. Group favorites APR FC of Rwanda will face Burundi’s Mumamuru before Tanzanian club Kinondoni MC duel with Mlandege of Zanzibar.

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