Nigerian and Ugandan coaches face-off in Gen Daa’uud semi-final clash

By Mohamed Hussein Qalinle

Heegan FC and Banaadir FC both teams with foreign coaches and the highest number of foreign players will face off today in the second leg of the semi-final of General Da’aud Cup in Mogadishu’s Banaadir Stadium.

Banadir FC which is the 2015/2016 Somali Premier League defending champion with unbeaten record in the season will meet Heegan FC which carried the Premier League crown in the 2014/2015 season.

The winner of today’s match will square off with Jeenyo FC which sent home the military team, Horseed which is also the founder and sponsor of General Da’aud cup in a one nil win Wednesday.

The Nigerian tactician, Felix Nwosu who will be leading his team, Heegan FC to Banaadir stadium today exuded confidence in an interview with Goobjoog Sports ahead of today’s clash. “We expect a tough game tomorrow. Banaadir is a big team with quality players and a good coach. We respect them but we are going for a win,” said Nwosu.

The 27 year old who has played in Kenya and Nigeria and also worked as coach in both countries said his team is fit and ready to deliver a win in 90 minutes. “I want to win in 90 minutes; I don’t want penalties because it is any man’s game. My boys are charged, they are motivated and they are ready to walk away with the three points,” the Heegan tactician said.

Nwosu will be crossing his fingers raring for a win against the Ugandan Hussein Mblangu who has played professional football in Kenya, Rwanada, Tanzania and has also gained experience in the Vietnam Institute for Soccer Education.

The 40 year old Mblangu who has been coaching Banaadir FC for the last one and half years has four foreign players in his team. Kenya’s Thomas Mwangi is the goal keeper while Kinne Kufanyo from Ugand and Nigerian Mustapha Maxwel are both midfielders. Marcelo Odhiambo will be expected to deliver firing shots at Heegan’s net as striker.

For Heegan, its international bench is all a Nigerian affair. The goal keeper is Mohamed Zubairu while Ogabiri Okaara Maitias will play defence.

A possible line up for Heegan will be Gool Haye and Mohamed Zubairu as goal keepers while Mahad Mohamed Haaji (Maygon), Ogabikiri Okara, Abdi Kariim Abuukar (Baqari) and Ahmed Ali Jima’ale will play defence.

Banaadir FC was founded in 1993 while the Somali police club-Heegan was established in 1950.

VIP ticket: $ 1

Ordinary: $0.5

Venue: Banaadir Stadium

Stadium Temperatures: 26°