Zanzibar fired the first salvo in their opening match when they convincingly beat favourites Rwanda 3-1

Zanzibar are clearly aware of the hostile environment that awaits them at Kenyatta Stadium when they take on host Kenya in the third match of the ongoing Cecafa Senior Challenge on Saturday.

The Islanders who came into the tournament as minnows have so far surpassed the expectation of many; having perched at the summit of a tough group 'A' with six points from two wins.

Zanzibar fired the first salvo in their opening match when they convincingly beat favourites Rwanda 3-1 before confirming their new found form with a 2-1 win against Tanzania in the subsequent outing.

With that impressive record, Zanzibar have quickly dropped the underdog tag into clear favourites of lifting the 2017 regional trophy.

Having beaten Kenya 3-1 in the last meeting in 2015, the visitors are clearly aware of the hostility from local fans they’ll need to battle with when they entertain the hosts in a high stake match this evening.

“We are expecting a tough match and intimidating crowd but am very optimistic about a good result,” said Ibrahim Ahmada who was voted Man of the Match –MOTM in a win against Tanzania.

Ahmada scored the winning goal in Zanzibar’s 2-1 win over Tanzania in the second match of group A. and he hopes to carry on with the good form in front of goal against Kenya.

The winner of the match will take a commanding charge of the group.

Kenya are second with four points followed by Libya who while Tanzania will be looking to stretch their point tally to four with a win against Rwanda.