Francis Kimanzi’s First Match as Stars Coach Provides Reasons for Optimism

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Francis Kimanzi’s first match after his return as the Harambee Stars head coach may have provided the tactician with some valuable lessons. A 1-1 draw against a Ugandan team that has qualified for the past 2 AFCON tournaments is a positive result especially when you consider the first-half performance from Harambee Stars.

The opening half showcased just how far off we are as a team. The sight of Uganda carving the defense wide open from almost every attack must have sent alarm bells to Francis Kimanzi.

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To be fair to the coach, he made a 40th-minute substitution that stabilized the team which was on the verge of breaking down its structure.  The willingness to accept that his starting line up was not working proves that Kimanzi is ready to learn on the job and fix his mistakes before more damage is done.

What was also interesting is the insistence to build play from the back. The plan caused some heart to mouth moments especially from Joash Onyango but the team did not abandon the idea despite the hitches. It shows that the coach has a plan and he is willing to make it work at all costs.

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Players like to see a manager who believes in his ideas and Kimanzi showed that with the play from the back plan. This will spread confidence to the players and fans alike.

Of most encouragement from Kimanzi has to be the second-half performance from Harambee Stars. Uganda could not cope with the intensity and was reduced to sitting in their own half while playing long balls.

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It was not exactly a vintage performance from Harambee Stars but there were enough signs to show that with the right attitude and planning, Kenya is on the right path with Francis Kimanzi at the helm.

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