Black Stars coach Iddi downplays FKF Cup exit, extols lessons learnt

Kibera Black Stars head coach Iddi Badi has downplayed his side’s elimination from the FKF Federation Cup, insisting the defeat to Division One outfit Dynamo offered valuable lessons and a chance to rotate his squad.

The match ended in a two-all draw but Black Stars went on to crash out in the penalty lotteries, falling 4-3.

‎Speaking to Citizen Digital, Badi revealed that the cup tie allowed him to hand opportunities to players who have struggled for game time in the league, including the team’s third-choice goalkeeper.

‎He acknowledged that Dynamo were the better side on the day, showing greater hunger and intensity to earn a deserved victory.

‎"It was a good opportunity to give players who have not been earning regular starting berths a chance to showcase themselves. Playing against a Division One side is always tricky because they will come trying to prove a point, it was a balanced match but we lost through penalties," Basi said.

‎Despite the disappointment of exiting the competition, the tactician says the match exposed key areas that need urgent improvement, particularly in attack. He added that the technical bench will work on sharpening their finishing and overall offensive play ahead of the second half of the National Super League season.

‎"We shift our focus to the league, we have 19 matches left and we will be treating each fixture as a final. Our target is to win all the home matches and see how we will end," he added.

‎Looking ahead, Badi has set a clear target for his team, stressing the importance of making home matches count as they chase maximum points in the second leg. Kibera Black Stars concluded the first round of the season in eighth position and are now keen to push for a stronger finish.

‎With Dynamo booking their place in the FKF Cup Round of 32, Kibera Black Stars have shifted full focus to league preparations, determined to return stronger and improve their standing in the NSL table.