KILIMANJARO Stars head coach Ahmad Ally expressed disappointment in his team’s performance after their second consecutive defeat in the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup.

Speaking after a 2-0 loss to Kenya on Tuesday at Gombani Stadium, Pemba Island, Ally attributed the defeat to lapses in concentration.  

“Lack of focus is what caused us to concede two goals today. It is true that mistakes were made, and that’s why it cost us,” said Ally. “Sometimes, it happens, you can have all the best players and still lose. Today is a bad day for us.”  

The loss leaves Kilimanjaro Stars at the bottom of the tournament table, with no goals or points after two matches. They opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Zanzibar Heroes, compounding their struggles in this year’s competition, which features national teams for the first time.  

In the match against Kenya, both teams went into halftime locked in a goalless draw, each vying for a victory that would boost their chances of reaching the final. However, the second half saw Kilimanjaro Stars falter under pressure.  

Kenya broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when a cross from the left wing created confusion in Kilimanjaro Stars’ defense. Boniface Muchiri capitalized on the miscommunication to give Kenya the lead.  

Reacting swiftly, Ally made a double substitution in the 59th minute, introducing Hija Shamte and William Edgar in place of Semfuko Charles and Ofen Chikola. 

Despite the changes, Kilimanjaro Stars struggled to mount a meaningful attack on Kenya’s goal, leaving goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo largely untroubled.  

Kenya doubled their advantage in the 68th minute after a defensive error by Edson Katanga. His misplaced back pass left goalkeeper Metacha Mnata scrambling, allowing Ryan Ogam to slot the ball into an empty net.  

More substitutions followed as Sabri Kondo and Joshua Ibrahim replaced Ayoub Lyanga and Idd Seleman, but the Tanzanian side could not find a way past Kenya’s defense. The match ended with a 2-0 victory for Kenya.  

Kenya’s head coach, Francis Kimanzi, was delighted with his team’s performance. 

“I think it’s a good night for us. We prepared well for the next stage, and this is a very good result for us,” Kimanzi said.  

Looking ahead, he added: “All that’s left now is to do better in the next game against Zanzibar Heroes to achieve our goal of playing in the final and becoming champions.”  

The loss eliminated Kilimanjaro Stars from contention for the final, even with one group match remaining against Burkina Faso today. A win would earn them three points, which will not be enough to secure a top-two finish in the four-team tournament.  

Kenya currently tops the standings with four points, tied with Burkina Faso but leading on goal difference. Zanzibar Heroes are third with three points, while Kilimanjaro Stars remain winless and goalless at the bottom of the table.  

The 2025 Mapinduzi Cup continues today when Kilimanjaro Stars face Burkina Faso in their final group match. The final group-stage clash between Zanzibar Heroes and Kenya is scheduled for tomorrow.  

The two teams with the highest points will advance to the final, set to take place on Monday January 13.  

For Kilimanjaro Stars, their campaign has been one of missed opportunities and defensive frailties.