Ghana and Niger clinch U17 Airtel youth title

By Erick Ochieng’

Ghana and Niger made history to become first teams to win inaugural Africa Under-17 Airtel Rising Stars football championship in Nairobi.

The teams went home $10,000 (Sh840,000) richer following their victories after the weeklong contest staged at St Mary’s School grounds and City Stadium.

“The world wants to congratulate Airtel for the school championship that has started to restore the pan Africa spirit, I am glad to be part and parcel of the inauguration,” said former Manchester United and two-time world best goal keeper, Peter Schmechel, who graced the closing ceremony.

Resilient Ghana edged hard fighting Kenya 2-1 in a pulsating battle that separated the hosts from the coveted prize money in the girl’s cadre.

But Kenya were glad to have produced the championship top scorer, Vivian Odhiambo, who took advantage of a melee in the visitors defence to tap in her 11th goal of the championship in the 27th minute.

Emelia Lokko levelled for Ghana in the 43rd minute before Patience Narh took matters beyond Kenya with a classic goal in the 56th minute to secure the West Africans the victory. Odhiambo said she is elated with her goals and now hopes to perform impressively in the Nairobi County League where she plays for President Kimbrow Foundation. Coaches Fred Serenge and Lucas Bwire blamed the loss to poor goal keeping and lack of vision finish off Ghana.

“We played so well. I am glad we came this far, but we lacked concentration in the last minute which Ghana took advantage of to defeat us,” said Bwire.

The coach also picked out Odhiambo for blame after she wasted numerous chances to put Kenya ahead including an opportunity to just tap the ball in an open and wide net after beating Ghana goalkeeper.

After a barren draw in normal and extra time Niger managed to edge out Zambia 5-4 to emerge the boys champion in the championship.