BY PHILLIP ORWA
The mood was electric, atmosphere expectant and the expectation was real. The weather was good and the dream looked nearer to actualization.
The drums of war kept of ringing and the unity was defying the storm that had threatened the country.
This was the situation in Kenya and Tanzania, members of the East Africa community, who in their dreams had prophesied of a final meeting in Nairobi.
Ahead of the quarter finals, the two countries had engaged in a banter and social media war with Tanzania accusing Kenyans of buying all the tickets to deny the local supporters entry to the stadium against their opponent, then Atlas lion of Morocco.
On the other wing, the Tanzania had prayed that Kenya should lose in the quarters and even celebrated when news of Kenya’s lose to Madagascar in penalty shoot out filtered in the stadium.
But as fate would have it, the poetic justice landed and the two great teams were left licking their own wounds while the underdogs proceeded to semis.
But for the players, it was an opportunity to market themselves to the new potential employers and again, financially , they gained from their respective governments in terms of rewards and CAF awards.
It was awake up call to Kenya and Tanzania that the spirit of East Africa unity is bigger than individual gain and had they supported one another, it would have been a different story altogether
Kenya and Tanzania’s dream to qualify for Semi-finals and maybe set-up a Final challenge of the Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an abrupt halt after Madagascar and Morocco defeated the neighboring East African Countries during the quarter finals.
Kenya bowed out after succumbing to 4-3 post match penalties after laboring for a one-all draw in the regular time, while Tanzania lost by a solitary goal that was scored by Oussama Lamliuoi in the 65th minute.
Had The Harambee Stars, qualified for the Semi-finals, it would have been their first continental semi-final in 38 years.
The Kenyan Stars however, will have to be congratulated for staging a spirited fight that lasted 120 minutes after being forced into a 1-1 draw, Alphonce Omija had placed the stars in the lead with only three minutes to the breather after completing a Boniface Muchiri set-piece.
A few minutes later, Ryan Ogam doubled the lead, but VAR cancelled the goal, in the 66th minute of the second half, Madagascar scored through a sport kick after Lewis Bandi handball handed inside the area, Fenohasina Razafimaro took the spot kick sending Byrne Omondi the wrong way to make matters equal.
Rakotondraibe converted the decisive penalty after Alphonce Omija missed the Harambee Stars, Kenya had initially matched their opponents, with Siraj Mohammed and Daniel Sakari scoring confidently. Sylvester Owino also found the net.
Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved by Madagascar keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, and when Omija sent his attempt wide, Madagascar team was sent into frenzy.
The rivalry between Kenya and Madagascar during the game could be dubbed as a repeat of what transpired during the African Union Elections that pitted Kenya’s Former Prime Minister against Madagascar’s H. E Richard Randriamandrato, and SADC urged its member countries to vote for the Madagascar candidate, even thought Djibouti candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf eventually won.
The Harambee Stars had arrived unbeaten from the group stage, topping a pool that included former champions Morocco and DR Congo, conceding only twice in five matches.
Coach Benni McCarthy, who had urged his players to remain calm before the quarter-final, will reflect on a campaign that delivered pride, defensive resilience, and hope for the future.
The banter between Kenya and Tanzania had seen Kenyan fans “allegedly buy all tickets” for the Tanzania and Morocco game, but in a surprising move, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was filled nearly to the brim.
Tanzania had months ago banned businesses by Kenyans and there has been an online tag of way between the two countries.
