The GOtv Cecafa Cup 2013 came to a conclusion on Thursday December 12 at Nyayo stadium with hosts Kenya lifting the title after beating Sudan 2-0 in the finals thanks to an Allan Wanga double.
Forget the disorganization off the pitch thanks to the incompetent host FA – Football Kenya Federation and the Local Organising Committee, there was a lot to celebrate on the pitch with teams displaying some good football.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga closely followed all matches at the 37th edition of Africa’s oldest soccer competition and picks his best eleven players in their respective positions that shone above the rest.
The choice is based on players’ contribution to their team and backed by statistics. Let’s get started;
GK: Arthur Arakaza (Burundi):
The Burundi goalie beats Tanzania’s Ivo Mapunda and Uganda’s Benjamin Ochan to the number one spot. Named one of the best goal keepers at last year’s tournament, Arakaza conceded just two goals and was voted Man of the Match twice this campaign. He is the reason the Swallows reached the last eight of the competition but was unlucky to bow out at the hands of Zambia in a penalty shootout.
RB: Eltahir Elhag (Sudan):
In a tournament that was short of classic right fullbacks, Elhag stood out with brilliant performances for his side. The bald headed Sudan jersey number 2 didn’t only help his side defensively but also joined in attack with his marauding abilities. Only Kenya’s James Situma comes close.
LB: Godfrey Walusimbi (Uganda):
Regarded as one of the best left fullbacks in the region, Walusimbi was Uganda’s best player at a tournament many didn’t shine and beats close competitor Rodrick Kabwe (Zambia) to my team of the tournament.
CB: Jockins Atudo (Kenya):
He is arguably the defender of the tournament by far. He has been flawless throughout the campaign and he is one of the reasons Harambee Stars conceded one goal en-route to winning the championship. On top of keeping things tight at the back, Atudo was the team’s joint top scorer with three goals albeit all coming from penalties.
CB: David Owino (Kenya):
He didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the campaign. ‘Calabar’ as fondly called by Kenyan fans was as hard as a rock. In all games he has played, either the ball or opponent went past him but the two never went past him at the same time. For letting in four goals, Zambia’s Chama and Tanzania’s Kelvin Yondan plus Rwanda’s Emery Bayisenge miss out.
MF: Teddy Akumu (Kenya):
A midfielder of Patrick Vieira’s stature, Akumu has been a wall that shielded the back four well in the entire tournament. The lanky midfielder initiated most of Harambee Stars’ attacks with his ability to play a short and long pass. He was man of the match in the semi-final win over Tanzania.
MF: Homad Bashir (Sudan):
The Sudan skipper was unlucky to be on the losing side in the finals but was without doubt one of the best central midfielders in the tournament. The number 4 intercepted and blocked opponents’ moves and is one of the reasons Sudan enjoyed more possession in almost all games. Calm and collected.
MF: Francis Kahata (Kenya):
He was arguably the most exciting player to watch in this tournament. The diminutive midfielder played his heart out in all games creating havoc for opponents and was involved in most of the goals his side scored. Only Sudan’s Ibrahim Salah beats him to the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
FWD: Allan Wanga (Kenya):
His double in the final is the reason Kenya won the Championship. Even when booed in the second game against South Sudan for missing chances, he never gave up and has been a consistent nuisance to the back-lines. A forward with the ability to fall back and offer support to the midfield and even defence when need arose. He finished the campaign with three goals.
FWD: Salah Ibrahim (Sudan):
He won the golden boot with five goals scoring in all but two games. Salah was the most technically gifted striker in the campaign and lifted his side when he was most needed. His winner in the 2-1 semi-final win over Zambia is a contender for goal of the tournament.
FWD: Mbwana Ally Samata (Tanzania):
The TP Mazembe striker helped Tanzania finish fourth in the tournament with his gallant performances. Though he scored only two goals in the campaign, Samata missed two opening games due to club duty and perhaps his statistics should have been different if featured against minnows Somalia and the less impressive Burundi.
COACH: Mubarak Suliman (Sudan)
Sudan were the most tactically organized side and credit goes to Coach Mubarak Suliman.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Jacob Keli (Kenya), Felix Katongo, Ronald Kampamba (Zambia), Salum Abubaker (Tanzania), Daniel Sserunkuma, Aucho Khalid (Uganda), Faskin Afaw, Manaye Fantu (Ethiopia)
