The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia has disclosed that key injuries significantly disrupted Kenya’s tactical game plan during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
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Akhulia, who also coaches Bidco United, said the team suffered a major blow just six days before kickoff when starting left-back Telena Ochieng sustained an injury during a friendly against Ghana, ruling him out of the tournament.
Further compounding the team’s woes, first-choice goalkeeper Bernard Jairo was injured during the opening match against Morocco and missed subsequent games against Tunisia and Nigeria.
“Telena was central to our defensive structure, and his absence really affected our setup. Jairo also had a solid start against Morocco before getting injured,” said Akhulia.
He added that the injuries forced the technical team to revise their strategies on short notice.
In the absence of the two key players, Collins Ochieng filled in at left back, while Humphrey Obino was moved to right back. Wyclifford Oduor stepped up as goalkeeper.
“The replacements put in commendable performances. I appreciate the efforts of Wyclifford, Collins, and Manzur,” Akhulia noted.
