Football matters

Kenya v Angola
Saturday 25^th March 2011
African Cup of Nations Qualifier
Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi
Cost: 300/=

I just had to go.

On the morning of the game, while Gary was in town buying tickets, I asked the director if I could also take a couple of the boys with us.

‘No, no, it’s too dangerous,’ Father said. ‘You know, these Kenyans like to fight. Angola’s not too bad as there won’t be any opposition fans, but if it were a local team there would be fights for sure.’

‘So, it’s too dangerous to take the boys?’

‘Yes, I think so.’

‘But you’re not worried about me?’

‘You can sort yourself out.’

Hmm… Thoughts of the Jesus Cup riot resurfaced in my mind. ‘Well, if I’m not back this evening, try calling my mobile, okay?’

‘Oh no,’ came the reply, ‘we’ll call the British Embassy. They’ll arrange everything.’

Not brimming with confidence about my security, I left to meet Gary and go to the stadium.

As it happens, there were no problems. In fact, the match was very exciting and the atmosphere was electric. Angola are ranked a lowly 107 in the world but were still the clear favourites courtesy of Kenya’s awful recent form. Placed 124^th in the world rankings, Kenya were yet to score in the qualifiers and were still reeling from a 1-0 defeat at the hands of tiny Guinea-Bissau.

So it was ominous when Angola’s star man Manucho scored in the first half and threatened on other occasions to increase their lead. Kenya were dreadful and the crowd soon became restless. I began to fear how the supporters would react if things didn’t improve.

A double substitution midway through the second half changed the course of the game. Jamaal, one of the subs, poached an equaliser from a rebound before Mariga, who plays for Inter Milan, scored a stunner in the last few minutes. The crowd erupted. Everyone came up to me and Gary to give jubilant high-fives, fist bumps and hugs in celebration. On the final whistle, everyone streamed out of the ground (peacefully) in sheer disbelief that Kenya had actually managed to win.

As it stands:

Group J

	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Uganda	3	2	1	0	4	0	7
Kenya	3	1	1	1	2	2	4
G Bissau	3	1	0	2	1	2	3
Angola	3	1	0	2	2	5	3

03-05/09/10: Guinea Bissau 1-0 Kenya
03-05/09/10: Uganda 3-0 Angola

08-10/10/10: Kenya 0-0 Uganda
08-10/10/10: Angola 1-0 Guinea Bissau

25-27/03/11: Guinea Bissau 0-1 Uganda
25-27/03/11: Kenya 2-1 Angola

03-06/06/11: Uganda v Guinea Bissau
03-06/06/11: Angola v Kenya

02-04/09/11: Kenya v Guinea Bissau
02-04/09/11: Angola v Uganda

07-09/10/11: Uganda v Kenya
07-09/10/11: Guinea Bissau v Angola