The hopes of the Kenya national football team were dashed last night as they bowed out of the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup following a heart-wrenching 1-0 defeat against Zanzibar.
The decisive moment came in the dying seconds of the match when Ali Khatib, affectionately known as ‘Inzaghi,’ scored a dramatic winner in the 94th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures and the Kenyan squad into despair.
From the outset, the match was charged with intensity, as both teams battled fiercely for a coveted place in the final. Kenya’s Harambee Stars acquitted themselves well, carving out several opportunities and putting pressure on the Zanzibari defense. However, the Kenyan side faced a formidable opponent in Zanzibar, whose goalkeeper was equally resilient.
Kenya’s Faruk Shikalo had an impressive game, making crucial saves that kept his team in the contest. The first half showcased end-to-end action, but the score remained level at 0-0, despite a late altercation that threatened to mar the spectacle. Tensions heightened as players from both teams engaged in heated exchanges, reflecting the high stakes of the encounter.
The second half proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players alike, characterized by a flurry of fouls and tensions boiling over. The turning point came in the 67th minute when Kenyan defender Abud Omar received a red card for a second bookable offense. Omar’s refusal to leave the pitch prompted a brief stoppage, further intensifying the atmosphere. The absence of the experienced defender left Kenya’s backline vulnerable.
With Zanzibar seizing the numerical advantage, they launched relentless attacks on the Kenyan goal. Their persistence paid off when Khatib found the net from a corner kick, devastating Kenyans who had fought valiantly until the end.
The match was a physical battle, marked by the referee issuing eight yellow cards and two red cards, underscoring the aggression displayed by both teams. Despite Kenya’s commendable effort, they were unable to convert their chances into goals, resulting in their early exit from the tournament.
Zanzibar’s victory propels them into the finals, where they will face Burkina Faso, with a chance to claim Ksh6.25 million in prize money if they secure the win. As the team from Zanzibar prepares for the final showdown, Kenya will be left reflecting on what could have been, hoping to learn and regroup for future competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Mapinduzi Cup and the upcoming matches in the world of football.
