Football

Olunga double fires Kenya past Tanzania

Published

4 years ago

June 28, 2019

Kenya’s hopes of making it into the second round were restored after beating East Africa neighbours Tanzania 3-2 in a thrilling derby at the June 30th Stadium in Cairo on Thursday night.

‘Engineer’ Michael Olunga scored twice, once in either half as Kenya came from behind to grab the massive three points ahead of the final round of group matches next Monday.

Olunga scored with nine minutes left after Johannah Omollo had brought Kenya level at 2-2. Saimon Msuva had given Tanzania a fifth minute lead before Olunga drew the sides level in the 39th minute.

The celebrations in the stands from Kenyan fans had not even gone down a decibel when Samatta restored the lead for the Taifa Stars. Samatta banged the ball between Kenya keeper Patrick Matasi’s feet after drawing him off his line to give Tanzania a 2-1 lead five minutes to half time.

Kenya had equalized just a minute earlier through Olunga’s overhead kick after keeper Aishi Manula had made a mess off handling a freekick from Ayub Masika and the ball hung around the area nicely for Olunga to volley home.

It was a fiery, fast paced derby with both teams knowing only victory would keep their hopes of remaining in Egypt longer alive.

Tanzania got into business early and opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Msuva had the easiest of tasks to tap the ball home from close range after Matasi had spilled a venomous shot from Samatta.

From then on, it was Kenya who pulled in the pressure. In the 13th minute, Erick Ouma came close when he volleyed home from close range but his shot flew straight to Manula.

Kenya came close but were twice in succession denied by the bar. Ouma’s corner was smothered onto the bar by keeper Manula before Olunga rose to the rebound and his header again went against the woodwork.

Tanzania had a chance on the other end in the 36th minute when Ramadhan Kessy’s freekick from range almost beat Matasi who was off his line, but he tracked back to tip the ball over for a corner.

In the second half, Kenya came with renewed vigor and Victor Wanyama forced a save off the keeper with a header from a corner in the 59th minute, Just two minutes later, Kenya was level when Omollo sneaked in at the near post to head in Masika’s cross.

Tanzania plays group leaders Algeria next while Kenya face Senegal.

Football

Club signs “25-year-old goalkeeper” but fans think he’s 45 [See photos]

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2021

Cate Iteyo

Social media across Africa on Wednesday, February 10 was sent into a frenzy by one Nigerian Club – Mighty Jets International Jos.

The Mighty Jets, took to social media to unveil their new range of kits for the upcoming Nigerian National league season while profiling its players.

One player, however, caught the eye of netizens, Goalkeeper Gobum Rotduwe.

According to the club, “Rot. D” was born on September 13, 1995, meaning he is 25 years old now.

Fans took a swipe at the club, most claiming the goalkeeper has lied about his age.

What’s your take on his age?

Football

Club signs “25-year-old goalkeeper” but fans think he’s 45 [See photos]

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2021

Cate Iteyo

Social media across Africa on Tuesday, February 9 was sent into a frenzy by one Nigerian Club – Mighty Jets International Jos.

The Mighty Jets, took to social media to unveil their new range of kits for the upcoming Nigerian National league season while profiling its players.

According to the club, “Rot. D” was born on September 13, 1995, meaning he is 25 years old now.

Fans took a swipe at the club, most claiming the goalkeeper has lied about his age. What’s your take on his age?

Football

Barcelona appoint Koeman as new coach

Published

3 years ago

August 19, 2020

Cate Iteyo

Barcelona have appointed Ronald Koeman as their next coach, the club said in a statement on Wednesday, as the Catalans look to rebuild after their 8-2 thrashing by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week.

Koeman, who has left his role as manager of the Netherlands, has signed a two-year-deal with Barcelona, who sacked Quique Setien on Monday after he presided over the club’s worst defeat ever in European competition.

Koeman, who will be officially presented at the Camp Nou stadium later on Wednesday, is dearly loved at Barca for his role in Johan Cruyff’s hugely successful side known as the ‘Dream Team’ and for scoring the goal that delivered the club’s first ever European Cup in 1992.

The defender later became the club’s assistant coach before embarking on a career as a head coach, managing Dutch sides Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord plus Premier League sides Southampton and Everton and La Liga’s Valencia.

“Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have come to an agreement for him to be the team’s coach until 30 June 2022,” said Barca’s statement.

“A club legend and Barca’s hero at Wembley who gave fans their first European Cup, Koeman is coming back to the Camp Nou. But this time he will be in the dugout to lead the team.”