Crowning moment for Kibera United: Football. Defending champions fail test as new winners are unveiled

Ramadhani cup in Kibra Ismail Fc Nicodemus Malika(l) and Kibra United Christopher Akach fight for the ball when they played 15th edition of Ramadhani cup at Woodly grounds yesterday. Kibra scored 5-4. ON 26/06/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

The team bagged the Ramadhan Cup and Sh40,000 in prize money.

Kibra United are this year’s Ramadhan Cup football tournament champions.

The side was formidable in their display at the tournament that ended at Woodley Stadium in Nairobi yesterday.

With defending champions Langata Gremio missing in action, Kibra took charge of the proceedings to lift the 15th edition of the tournament.

They defeated Ismailia FC 5-4 on post-match penalties, with both sides tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

The victory was enough for Kibra to pocket the Sh40,000 prize money while Ismailia took Sh30,000 as the runners-up.

Dream Team Sports Academy also defeated Kibra Soccer 3-1 through post-match penalties to finish third. They drew 1-1 after normal time. The win earned Dream Team Sh20,000 while Kibra Soccer got Sh10,000.

Wayo Wayo FC made sure they did not go home empty handed after they were named the Young and Most Disciplined Team of the tournament and rewarded with Sh10,000.

Anwar Asad of Spartans FC bagged the Top Scorer’s award after he notched seven goals in the one-month tournament.

Tournament founder and representative Hussein Bashir said the purpose of the football championship was to bring youths together during the fasting period of Ramadhan.

“Our theme this year was ‘Peace’. This was meant to improve the co-existence of numerous communities living in Nairobi. It also focused on enlightening youths ahead of the national elections scheduled for August 8,” said Bashir.

Kibra United celebrates after they won the 15th Ramadhani cup when they played Ismail in the finals at Woodly grounds yesterday. ON 26/06/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

He said the tournament was also being used by local coaches to identify talent. There have been notable players who have taken part in this tournament. Vincent Oburu, striker for AFC Leopards, has featured in previous editions, turning out for Kibra-based Shofco FC.

“We have seen many players take part in this tournament. Others who were identified here include Jesse Were, Edwin Lavatsa and Sad Musa,” Bashir said.

He said other than the prize money, the first four finishers received a set of uniforms, ball, trophy and medals.