Qatar Embassy hosts viewing party as Messi lifts elusive World Cup trophy

Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale (centre) and Qatar Ambassador to Kenya Jabor Al Dosari (second left) cut a cake to celebrate Qatar National Day and the World cup final at Movenpick Hotel in Nairobi on December 18, 2022. [Wilberforce Okwiri]

Qatar Embassy in Kenya yesterday brought the 2022 Fifa World Cup experience in Nairobi as it hosted a viewing party for an exhilarating final at Movenpick Hotel.

Though playing almost 2,076 miles away from the Kenyan capital the atmosphere in the room with over 250 guests was electric as the Qatari nationals also marked their National Day celebrations.

The 29-day extravaganza came to an end in Qatar yesterday with Lionel Messi crowning his glittering career with victory as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in a thrilling final (extra-time) at the Lusail Stadium.

And there were celebrations all over the room as Messi finally hoisted the trophy his greatness demanded after many years of near misses. But for Les Bleus fans, it was a night of disappointment and pain following Kingsley Coman and Tchouameni's penalties miss.

December 18 is Qatar's National Day and it was the perfect day for a pulsating final of the event the Qatar government has been planning for more than a decade.

Rachel Macharia (left) and Evelyn Ochieng pose for a photo during Qatar National Day celebrations and watching World Cup final at Movenpick Hotel in Nairobi on December 18 2022. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The event was organised by the Qatar Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Jabor bin Ali Al Dosari with Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale as the chief guest.

Duale, Garissa Governor Nadhif Jama, Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan and Nairobi Women Representative were among the dignitaries who graced the invite-only event.

Dosari termed the 2022 Fifa World Cup final a success both on and off the pitch, thanks to his country's good preparation.

"This year's celebration also acquires special importance as it coincides with the end of the State of Qatar's hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The two events constitute an opportunity to highlight the unity and culture of the people of Qatar," said Dosari.

"The 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, has demonstrated the civilized identity of the State of Qatar, in addition to its economic, security and administrative capabilities and its clear achievements in all fields."

While thanking the Kenyan government for providing them with personnel support, the envoy said the event has strengthened their relationship with other nations across the world.

Fans watching World Cup finals between Argentina & France at Movenpick Hotel in Nairobi organized by Qatar Embassy on 18th December 2022.PHOTO:[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]

"We are grateful for the support and praise from our friends from all parts of the world who provided support through their experience and the participation of workers, especially our Kenyan friends who provided the workers, security personnel and volunteers who contributed to this great event, as well as through messages of praise and expressions of encouragement and support from the government of His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, and we affirm that this experience is an investment in the good of humanity, and belongs to all.

"The 2022 Fifa World Cup represented an occasion that brought together people, united feelings, and confirmed that the world can unite to face major challenges that threaten all humanity," he concluded. [Rodgers Eshitemi]