Mohammed Amin I Nation Kenya’s Sofapaka FC players celebrate their avalanche of goals against Ismaili of Egypt in the Confederation Cup match at the Nyayo National Stadium on April 02, 2011. Sofapaka won the match 4-0.
Sofapaka on Saturday delivered an astonishing 4-0 win over Egypt’s Ismaili in the Confederation Cup, ending the country’s age-old jinx against Egyptian opposition at the Nyayo National Stadium.
There have been many upsets in football, but if there’s one to remember, it will be this triumph over the Egyptians in the first round of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Before the match, Ismaili were highly ranked than their Kenyan opponents, in fact, they had a 2-0 cushion coming into the match.
But after 90 minutes of play time, the score read 4-0 in favour of the 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions.
Never in the history of Kenyan football has a club eliminated an Egyptian opponent from any championship.
But, all that came to an end last evening with goals from Anthony Kimani in the 25th minute, Bob Mugalia’s 39th minute tap in, Titus Mulama’s 40th minute goal and a Patrick Kagogo 94th minute effort.
The Confederation Cup may not have the prestige of a Champions League slot, but Sofapaka were relishing their achievement.
“This is history in the making. We promised not to let Kenyans down and I’m very happy that we managed to do just that. And what a better way than that 4-0 final score,” said an elated Sofapaka coach, Ezekiel Akwana.
The match started at a fast pace and it never slowed down even for the blink of eye. It was the Kenyan’s impressive work-rate and constant running that won the match for them, and interestingly, all the scorers were wearing brand new top-end speed boots.
Kimani was playing in the Adidas f50i football boots and scored Sofapaka’s first goal, with a stunning 25metre effort. Benefiting from interchangeable studs, Kimani picked up a John Baraza’s pass and delivered a long range effort, which at some point looked harmless, until Mohammed Sobhi’s howler gifted the Kenyans.
“I’m happy for this win and must congratulate Sofapaka for making Kenya proud,” said Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka. “It’s a great day for all us.”
As the match progressed Sofapaka settled in well, playing their usual passing game, keeping a lot of possession.
Looking for their second, Sobhi parried Musa Mudde’s close range effort, only for Mugalia to tap in and send everyone, bar handful of Egyptian fans into jubilation. One minute later, Mulama scored from the same position and with that, the Kenyans were savouring every moment of it.
But it was Kagogo’s last minute goal, which somehow cooled the Kenyans’ nerves, while bursting the bubbles in the Egyptians end.
Sofapaka patron, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, praised his club for the achievement.
“I salute them and urge them to keep the fire burning. They are an inspiration to the youth,” Kalonzo said.
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