CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup: Poulsen and His Call-ups

                                                     

Kim Poulsen called up a 23-man squad for the CECAFA Senior challenge cup campaign that kicks off today in Nairobi, Kenya. He will have the unenviable task of culling up his squad. Three players will have to be dropped from the official squad list. CECAFA rules allow a maximum squad of 20 players.

Ivo Mapunda of Gor Mahia, Azam’s promising youngster, Aishi Manula and Deogratius Munishi from the defending league champions, Young Africans will be competing for the number one jersey i. Manula and Munishi are yet to make national team debuts. 

Mapunda is likely to get the nod. In Stars’ warm up friendly against Zimbabwe’s warrior he put an impressive shift. He comfortably kept a clean sheet. In Mapunda, Poulsen has one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the region.

Poulsen’s faith in Aishi Manula is likely to keep the youngster as the immediate back up to Mapunda. Should anything happen to Mapunda, either an injury or suspension, Manula will take up his place in the goalposts. His frame gives him good box presence. Munishi's recent splendid league display means he firmly remain an option. He boasts of height advantage.

Defenders called up include; Erasto Nyoni, Himid Mao, Ismail Gambo, Said Morad all from Azam. Kelvin Yondani of (Yanga), and Michael Pius (Ruvu Shooting). Erasto Nyoni and Kelvin Yondani are automatic pick in the starting eleven. 

Erasto Nyoni will take his place in the right full-back position. Kelvin Yondani will put a shift as a centre-back. Michael Pius and Said Morad will be fighting to partner up Yondani. Morad seems to be the favourite partner to Yondani. 

The tournament could be a perfect opportunity for the versatile Himid Mao to lay claim to the left full-back position. The absence of Kapombe might afford him a good run of matches to firmly present his case. Erasto Nyoni is the only natural full-back in the squad and so Poulsen could still pull up surprise in his selection.

Midfielders up for selection include; Amri Kiemba (Simba), Athuman Idd (Yanga), Frank Domayo (Yanga), Haroun Chanongo (Simba), Hassan Dilunga (Ruvu Shooting), Ramadhan Singano (Simba) and Salum Abubakar (Azam).

Judging from past selections, Frank Domayo and Salum Abubakar inclusion in the starting eleven is a given. Frank Domayo work rate is necessary to shore up the midfield. Salum Abubakar remains essential for maintaining possession but he limits the team forward movement. His first team inclusion divides opinions in some quarters. 

Others would prefer seeing Athumani Idd starting ahead of Abubakar. Idd has the vision for long range passes needed to unlock defences. Given a place in the team, he adds the much needed counter-attacking element. While Salum Abubakar tends to circulate the ball, Idd often goes for long range passes needed for rapid transition from defence to attack.

Hassan Dilunga would be relishing another chance in his fight to displace the out of form Amri Kiemba. 

The newly signed Yanga’s youngster earned his debut against Zimbabwe relegating Kiemba to the bench. However he did not put a tight case to guarantee him a starting place. Kiemba’s club form with Simba has been poor but he often tends to be at his best while in the national colours. 

Forwards: Elias Maguli (Ruvu Shooting), Faridi Musa (Azam), Joseph Kimwaga (Azam), Juma Luizio (Mtibwa Sugar), Mbwana Samata (TP Mazembe, DRC), Mrisho Ngasa (Yanga) and Thomas Ulimwengu (TP Mazembe).

The services of the TP Mazembe duo, Samatta and Ulimwengu will be missed in the first two games. Poulsen will have to tweak his team particularly in the first match against Zambia. Mrisho Ngassa will be employed as a striker.  Elias Maguli could partner up Ngassa up front. Juma Luizio and Joseph Kimwaga are likely to be involved as late substitutes.

Overall given the combination of experienced and fresh legs, Kilimanjaro should not face trouble qualifying for the quarter final stage. Even if Zambia top the group second place finish can be comfortably attained. But with pressure mounting on him, Poulsen knows only advancing to the final would throw off the increasing number of monkeys on his back.