BUBBLE BURSTS
Dec 12, 2002
A RED card that could have been avoided was efficiently exploited by Kenya to shatter Uganda’s dreams of a record ninth Challenge Cup title here yesterday.
By James Bakama
in Mwanza
Uganda 1 Kenya 3
Final
Tanzania v Kenya
3rd Place play-off
Uganda v Rwanda
A RED card that could have been avoided was efficiently exploited by Kenya to shatter Uganda’s dreams of a record ninth Challenge Cup title here yesterday.
Yusuf Kinene was sent off for retaliating against Anthony Mathenge 32 minutes into play of the second semi-final.
To striker Kinene, who was tackled roughly at the edge of the box, the subsequent free kick was not punishment enough.
The diminutive striker decided to go native by pushing his tackler in the face, leaving the referee with no option but to flash the red card.
Harambee Stars, who had earlier taken a 17th minute lead through Mathenge. They went all over the ten-man-Cranes after the dismissal.
But Cranes skipper Phillip Obwin playing with the determination of a sinking ship’s captain, levelled the score 15 minutes to recess. He curled in a free-kick that stunned goalkeeper Victor Onyango.
But the equaliser failed to weaken Harambee Stars’ strength in numbers.
The winner did not take long coming, with Paul Oyuga on target with a diving header in the 53rd minute. Robert Mambo netted the third shortly after to brighten further Kenya’s chances of ending a 19 year drought of Challenge Cup silverware.
“That red card and the second goal from offside position shattered the boys,†said coach Paul Hasule.
The absence of tournament top scorer Geoffrey Sserunkuma was also a blow. Hasule’s options were limited to only four junior players on the bench.
Uganda
A. Salim,P. Obwin, N. Kizito,S. Mubiru, E. Balyejusa,W. Bossa, S. Masaba,H. Kaweesa (A.Kaaya),Y.Kinene, P. Ssozi, A.Tabula.
Kenya
V.Onyango, D.Agina, A.Shaban,P.Opiyo,W.Kaduri,A.Mathenge,W.Odede,R.Mambo, P.Oyuga(J.Baraza), E.Karanja,F.Sianzui (D.Oliech).
in Mwanza
Uganda 1 Kenya 3
Final
Tanzania v Kenya
3rd Place play-off
Uganda v Rwanda
A RED card that could have been avoided was efficiently exploited by Kenya to shatter Uganda’s dreams of a record ninth Challenge Cup title here yesterday.
Yusuf Kinene was sent off for retaliating against Anthony Mathenge 32 minutes into play of the second semi-final.
To striker Kinene, who was tackled roughly at the edge of the box, the subsequent free kick was not punishment enough.
The diminutive striker decided to go native by pushing his tackler in the face, leaving the referee with no option but to flash the red card.
Harambee Stars, who had earlier taken a 17th minute lead through Mathenge. They went all over the ten-man-Cranes after the dismissal.
But Cranes skipper Phillip Obwin playing with the determination of a sinking ship’s captain, levelled the score 15 minutes to recess. He curled in a free-kick that stunned goalkeeper Victor Onyango.
But the equaliser failed to weaken Harambee Stars’ strength in numbers.
The winner did not take long coming, with Paul Oyuga on target with a diving header in the 53rd minute. Robert Mambo netted the third shortly after to brighten further Kenya’s chances of ending a 19 year drought of Challenge Cup silverware.
“That red card and the second goal from offside position shattered the boys,†said coach Paul Hasule.
The absence of tournament top scorer Geoffrey Sserunkuma was also a blow. Hasule’s options were limited to only four junior players on the bench.
Uganda
A. Salim,P. Obwin, N. Kizito,S. Mubiru, E. Balyejusa,W. Bossa, S. Masaba,H. Kaweesa (A.Kaaya),Y.Kinene, P. Ssozi, A.Tabula.
Kenya
V.Onyango, D.Agina, A.Shaban,P.Opiyo,W.Kaduri,A.Mathenge,W.Odede,R.Mambo, P.Oyuga(J.Baraza), E.Karanja,F.Sianzui (D.Oliech).