The Kenya football team have entered the finals of the Africa Challenge Cup taking place at Skapnäck IP grounds. The Kenyans sailed through by beating Somalis 4-3 in a tough game that was watched by a huge crowd. The Kenyans will now meet the Tanzanians who trounced our brothers from Sierra Leone 4-2 in another thrilling match that kept spectators curious.
The Kenyans were the first to score in the first half through Bryan before the Somalis equalized in the second half. The Kenyans then increased the lead to 2-1 through Maloba who later converted a penalty kick, placing the Kenyans ahead with 3-1. The Somalis then lost a penalty kick but moments later, they narrowed the Kenyan lead to 3-2. It was after this goal that Alex, increased the Kenyan lead to 4-2. In the dying minutes of the game, the Somalis managed a goal which placed the final score at 4-3.
In terms of crowd power, there is no match for the Kenyans who have outnumbered all nationalities participating. One might think that the whole event is a Kenyan tournament although the Tanzanians are also well represented. The huge Kenyan crowd has given them an advantage and it is likely that after the final whistle, the Kenyans will win the “shouting match” regardless of developments in the field.
At 17.00hrs (in about an hour at the time of blogging), the Kenyans will meet the Tanzanians in the finals. This means that whatever happens, the 2011 African Challenge Cup will return to East Africa, having been scooped by the Tanzanians last year. There is no tension between the Kenyans and the Tanzanians and majority of those who have spoken to KSB are more interested in whether the new champs will be Kenyans or Watizedi. The Kenyan team is in very good form and after losing to the Tanzanians last year, they are determined to send their neighbors home empty handed.
There are lots of activities on the ground with live music and Nyama choma steaming from every corner. Bellies are filled up as Wazee wa Kazi from Kenya and Ivory Coast get ready to battle it out. People are happy and having a good time. Children are running around playing as the crowd waits for the finals. Vinywaji are also circulating from various deports. KSB will keep readers updated.
Okoth Osewe
About the Author
