Plaudits pour in for Sakari and Hassan

Just days after putting in top notch performances on the big stage, Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee was quick to single out Kariobangi Sharks right back Daniel Sakari and Bandari winger Abdallah Hassan for their sublime display against Egypt on Thursday. Sakari was making his first big game appearance while Hassan made his first start in an African Cup of Nation qualification game in the round five clash.

“I am happy with most players who got their debut at that level. Somebody like Daniel Sakari playing his first game and Abdallah Hassan playing in a big game like this one. They did not show any stage fright. I loved the confidence. I would say it is a good beginning for the local players, they need to show that they can do it,” the head coach stated.

When the team sheet was released, many doubted why Sakari was drafted in the starting eleven of such a big game. And as if on a mission, the birthday performance from the former Kakamega Homeboyz man quickly silenced all those naysayers and earned him a new fan base who praised him for hours on end on social media.

Hassan on the other hand was probably the liveliest player on the pitch up until he was substituted. Together with Sakari on the right channel, the duo combined brilliantly and caused constant havoc whenever they went forward. Hassan tracked back, linked up play well, crossed brilliantly and had a very energetic work rate to go with it. His exploits on the day culminated in the goal that restored parity in the game for Kenya. Something that we were all delighted to see.

News now has it that the right back position is Sakari’s to lose after recent struggles to find a player who can own that position. Hassan on the other hand also has his chance to continue with his with his fine form and cement his place in the starting eleven having scored in the last two games for the national team

The team jet out of the country today to play Togo in the last qualifier taking place in Lome on Monday.