Kenyans let go of Copa Africa Cup trophy after loss

Tanzania’s Ramadhan Chuma reacts after missing free kick against Kenya during U16 Copa Coca-Cola Football African Championships at Mpesa academy foundation grounds, Kiambu County on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya’s hopes of retaining the Copa Coca Cola Under-16 Africa Cup title were dashed following yesterday’s semi-final loss to neighbours Tanzania at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy, Thika.

National champions Serani failed to successfully defend the continental gong St Anthony’s Kitale won last year.

The two rivals battled to a barren draw in regular time before Tanzania hit Kenya 5-4 on post-match penalties. 

In another semifinal, Zimbabwe defeated Zambia 4-3 to book a final date with Tanzania. The two had played to a 2-2 draw to set the stage for the decisive spot-kicks.

A dejected Kenya captain Hamisi Hamisi said they had given a good fight but luck was not on their side.

“We gave our all, played our hearts out but I guess the gods favoured our opponents,” Hamisi said.

He added that having failed to reach the final, they will be looking to overcome Zambia and complete the podium.

“We have not given up even though the title has eluded us. We still have a chance to secure bronze and we will surely fight for a top-three finish.”

Hamisi, Fredrick Onyango Marcos Odhiambo and Nassoro Mwinyi converted their penalties with Mohammed Mbaruk sending his effort inches wide.

There was nothing to write home about in regular time as both sides played a safe game as goalkeepers were barely tested throughout the match.

Kenyans, perhaps afraid to be outplayed by the Tanzanians who on Tuesday had thrashed Uganda 6-2 in the quarters, chose the long and high ball approach to the game. 

However, that decision proved to be their major undoing as Tanzania, who had a height and physique, denied them ball possession hindering all their goal hunting efforts.