CECAFA DAR PORT KAGAME CUP: Quarterfinal race heats up amidst intense battles

DAR ES SALAAM: THE 2024 CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup is becoming more intense as teams battle to secure a spot in the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

So far, APR FC, Al Hilal FC, and Al Wadi FC have advanced to the quarterfinals. However, it remains uncertain which of the remaining five clubs will also qualify, as today marks the final group stage games.

In an early match, Uganda’s SC Villa will take on APR of Rwanda at KMC Complex before Singida Black Stars face Al Merreikh (Sudan) at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

Later, Zanzibar’s JKU will play against Dekedaha of Somalia at KMC Complex, whereas the final fixture of the day will see Coastal Union competing against Al Wadi from Sudan.

Tomorrow, two matches will conclude the group stage campaign. Djibouti Telecom will face Red Arrows of Zambia at KMC Complex, while Al Hilal (Sudan) will play against Gor Mahia of Kenya.

After tomorrow’s encounters, the tournament will resume on Friday with two semi-final matches. The top two teams will then proceed to the finals on Saturday.

So far, Al Hilal, Al Wadi, and APR are the only three teams with a perfect score in the tournament after winning all their two opening matches, securing 6 points.

They are therefore better placed to advance to the last four phase of the competition as they intensify their chase for the title. The new winner will be identified on Saturday.

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In total, 22 goals have been scored in twelve games, with Al Hilal leading the pack after netting 7 goals in two matches and not conceding a goal.

Among the Tanzanian teams, Coastal Union and JKU have each won once in their two inaugural fixtures, while Singida Black Stars, under coach Patrick Aussems, remain without a win or points.

Aussem’s side has conceded four goals in two games, indicating that their defensive area needs to be fixed to avoid conceding frequently.

“These types of games are helpful to players as they provide a confident spirit, which is essential ahead of the commencement of the Premier League next season,” Aussems said after suffering a 3-1 defeat from SC Villa.

According to the available regulations, only three teams that finish at the top of their groups will proceed to the semi-finals, along with the best loser.