DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania, July 19- Joshua Oyoo, the new forward recruit has been handed a starting role when Kenyan league champions Tusker FC take on Mafunzo of Zanzibar in their opening Cecafa Kagame Cup tie on Thursday.
Oyoo who was signed from Sony Sugar has led the scoring charge for the titleholders whose coach, Sammy Omollo, has relegated regular Peter Opiyo to the bench in the notable change to his line-up.
He announced his starting men Thursday morning for their opening fixture of the regional club tournament that the Brewers have won five-times.
In a three-team Group ‘B’, Tusker need to beat Mafunzo and home side Azam FC on Saturday to guarantee qualification to the quarterfinals.
Omollo’s charges are already well tested in the domestic Kenyan Premier League where they are second on the table, a point behind leaders AFC Leopards and are expected to take an offensive approach against Mafunzo.
Mafunzo drew 1-1 with Azam in the opening group match Sunday and must also go all out for a win to guarantee passage to the knock-out stage.
The opening clash of the day is at 2pm EAT (+3GMT) where Atletico Olympique of Burundi play El Salaam, Wau of South Sudan in Group ‘C’
TEAMS
MAFUNZO – 1. Khalid Mohadhi Haji: 5. Ismail Khamis Amem, 6. Ally Juma Hassan, 18. Said Mussa Shaaban, 4. Yusuf Makame Juma, 16. Salum Said Shebe, 10. Ally Osman Mmanga, 13. Juma Othman Mmanga, 12. Suleiman Kassim Suleiman, 14. Jaku Juma Jaku, 15. Mohammed Abdoul Rahim
Reserves – 12. Salum Mohammed Mpangani, Gk; 2. Haji Abdi Hassan, 9. Bakr Ayoub Shaaban, 11. Kheir Salum Kheir, 17. Sadiq Habib Rajab, 3. Sabit Mohamed Abdulla, 7. Wahid Ibrahim Hashim
Coach – Stewart J Hall [England]
TUSKER – 1. Boniface Oluoch: 18. Jockins Atudo, 15. Humphrey Okoti, 26. David Ochieng’, 18. Joseph Shikokoti (captain), 4. Joseph Mbugi, 24. Jerry Santos, 19. Patrick Kagogo, 8. Joshua Oyoo, 21. Frederick Onyango, 10. Dennis Mukaisi
Reserves – 20. Samuel Odhiambo, Gk; 23. Peter Opiyo, 25. Luke Ochieng’, 17. David Nyanzi Makumbi, 28. Andrew Murunga, 9. Obadiah Ndege
Coach – Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo [Kenya]
