Wanyama first Kenyan to score in Champs League

By Gilbert Wandera and Agencies

Kenyan midfielder Victor Mugubi Wanyama made history on Thursday night by becoming the first Kenyan to score a goal in the lucrative Uefa Champions League.

Wanyama’s goal in the 88th minute pushed his Scottish side Celtic to make it to the group stages of the Champions League after knocking out Swedish club Helsinborg 4-0 on aggregate.

Ironically, Helsinborg is where Wanyama’s brother Macdonald Mariga began his professional career and stayed for three seasons before making the big move to Italian club Parma.  Mariga is now at Italian giants Inter Milan.

On Wednesday night, Gary Hooper had scored Celtic’s first goal in the 30th minute before Wanyama ensured victory at the Celtic Park.

Celtic had also won the first leg 2-0 last Wednesday in Sweden an are now assured of at least six Champions League group matches and the Kenyan will be one of the biggest beneficiaries as he is expected to play a big role in his club’s quest for glory in Europe.

A total of 32 teams divided into eight groups of four teams each will take part in the group stages of the Champions League.

Wednesday’s appearance for Wanyama was only his third match in Europe’s top competition.

He becomes only the third Kenyan player to feature in the Champions league. His brother Mariga was a European champion with Inter Milan two years ago.
Kenyan captain Dennis Oliech is the other Kenyan who has featured in the Champions League also two years ago with AJ Auxerre.