NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 – Ushuru FC’s hopes of pushing for promotion to the Kenyan Premier League were dashed on Friday after being held to a 1-1 draw by St. Joseph Youth FC in a National Super League clash at the Camp Toyoyo Ground.

Kevin Taabu’s second half header cancelled out Bill Oporia’s early goal as St. Josephs’ clawed back a point against the promotion chasing taxmen, putting them in an uncertain position as far as promotion is concerned.

Ken Kenyatta’s men will live to rue their missed chances especially in the first half and they remain fourth in the standings with 62 points, one behind third placed Nairobi Stima who play Administration Police at the same venue on Saturday morning.

Ushuru, seeking a return to top flight football after two years in the National Super League had a brilliant start with Bill Oporia getting them into the lead in the second minute with a thumping shot inside the box after Ravel Maxwell’s header had been blocked.

It was a relief for Oporia, the goal coming just seconds after he had missed a sitter when Anthony Ndolo’s defense splitting pass from midfield put him through with only the keeper to beat but he placed his shot inches wide.

Ushuru continued dominating possession, looking to seal the game early enough and they should have gone ahead after eight minutes when another thunderous shot by Oporia came up against the crossbar after some lazy defense from St. Josephs.

The most of chances were falling on Oporia and he had another opportunity in the 21^st minute when former Ulinzi Juniors striker Alex Sunga put the forward through on goal but once against S. Josephs keeper Martin Lule made a full stretch save.

As the game wore on, St. Josephs slowly crept into the game and the forward line led by former Harambee Stars striker Moses Arita began seeing more of the ball.

Three minutes to the break, the Nakuru based side had a brilliant chance when a free-kick was poorly defended and the ball landed on Peter Thiong’o but his powerful shot from the left was finger-tipped over the bar by Ushuru keeper Isaiah Wakasala.

In the second half, the visitors came in with more vigour and within the opening 10 minutes, they had brilliant opportunities to restore parity.

Adam Said’s cross from the right was missed by a whisker by Arita five minutes in and three minutes later, Said had a goal disallowed for offside.

The winger was at the heart of the equalizer in the 62^nd minute when his well floated corner from the right was dipped in by Taabu’s header past a dazed Wakasala.

In winning the corner, Taabu had forced the custodian to work beyond his effort springing up well to the rigt to tip over his well stung free-kick.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 – This year’s Ndakaini Half Marathon got a boost on Friday after APA Life Assurance injected Sh250,000 sponsorship ahead of the annual race to run October 6 around the scenic fresh water dam in Gatanga, Murang’a County.

Organisers say they are targeting to register over 4000 participants for the Half Marathon that has before been graced by two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui and legendary Catherine Ndereba among others.

Speaking during the presentation, APA Life Assurance CEO Catherine Karimi committed that they will support the initiative that aims at conserving the environment.

“We believe sport is a wonderful way to empower communities. APA’s part in this event will raise critical funds for conservation, community development and education programs for this region in Kenya,” said Karimi.

This year saw the marathon shifted from its traditional September month to October and will for the first time conduct online registration with the same expected to close on September 30, one week to the event.

Ndakaini Environmental Conservation Association (NDEKA) Chairman Professor Joseph Kimura noted that elite athletes will use the race to prepare for international competitions.

“We are excited by the immense interest the elite athletes have shown in the Ndakaini Half Marathon and announce that this year the route has been slightly modified to give them a better start and finish experience,” said Kimura.

Among the notable athletes expected to grace the race is two-time champion Patrick Kipn’geno.

In 2017, Kipng’eno and Debra Meringor finished ahead of the pack of nearly 3,000 runners gunning for the total top prize of Sh300,000. The same prize level has been set for this year’s race.

The participation fee is Sh1500 for elite and Sh1000 for amateur runners.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 – Western Stima have been promoted back to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) after beating Coast Stima 1-0 in a National Super League match played at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Friday evening.

Their junior Stima brothers had come in and shown no mercy for their elders pressing and frustrating them, but the home side who have lost only once this season at their backyard ensured they won at the death, Junior Mukisa scoring in the 88th minute.

Mukisa struck a brilliant free-kick beating the Coast Stima keeper to finally break the defensive block that had been set up by the visitors.

With two matches left before the season ends, the powermen have moved to 76 points meaning they have gathered an unassailable lead from second spot.

There is now only one automatic promotion slot left for the NSL sides to clash for with KCB and Nairobi Stima the only teams who can take the slot.

Ushuru’s 1-1 draw with St. Joseph Youth earlier on Friday afternoon meant the best they can get is the third place position which will require them to take part in a play-off against the 16^th placed team from the KPL.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 – KCB FC inched closer to a return to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) after beating Green Commandos 2-0 in a National Super League match at the Camp Toyoyo Ground on Friday evening.

Goals in either half from Dennis Ng’ang’a and Kennedy Owino saw the bankers move to 69 points in the standings with three matches to go and if Nairobi Stima drop points against Administration Police on Saturday, they will only need two wins off the last three ties to gain promotion.

Having dropped the pot at the doorstep twice in the last two years, the bankers were in no mood to make similar mistakes and started the game with pace and precision.

In the third minute, the impressive Martin Nderitu tried his luck with a shot from distance but the Commandos keeper gathered it well.

Three minutes later a brilliant team move by the bankers saw Chris Ochieng race to the ball on the right before hitting a superb low cross into the area, but a rushing Shami Kibwana could not get a touch on the ball with the keeper to beat.

In the 13th minute, Shami turned provider making a good run to create space on the left cutting in a cross, but Kennedy Owino’s point blank tap was brilliantly saved by Commandos keeper Bonphas Munyasa.

The pressure finally bore fruit in the 21^st minute when Dennis Ng’ang’a’s free-kick from the right took a wicked deflection off a defender before finding its way past keeper Munyasa.

KCb were on top of their game, but Commandoes had shown some good moves and signs that they would try and claw back something off the game.

But, they were limited in their chances with their only effort at goal coming in the 33^rd minute when Victor Muhanda’s shot from range went straight to the keeper.

In the second half, the bankers kept their press on and nine minutes in, they should have been two up.

Chris Ochieng raced through to a loose ball inside the box and managed to beat the keeper, but he took way too many touches inside the box when he should have pulled the trigger allowing the defense to race back and block.

There was a slight push on him as he went for the shot, but the referee turned a deaf ear on the calls for a penalty.

The bankers though doubled their lead in the 63^rd minute when Owino tapped in past the keeper from six yards out after a textbook counter saw Simon Abuko float in a decent cross with pace and power.

With a comfortable lead, KCB contained the pressure of the game with Dennis Orenge and Samuel Mwangi coming in to consolidate the result.

Mwangi had two chances late on, one with a shot from distance while the second was from close range, both going wide.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 – AFC Leopards have sent their Argentine head coach Rodolfo Zapata on leave, citing concerns over his security following fan apathy since their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield semi-final loss to Sofapaka last Sunday.

Ingwe Organizing Secretary Timothy Lilumbi told Capital Sport the club took the decision after growing concerns over his safety with a number of fans accosting him after the Sofapaka and Tusker matches last Wednesday.

“We have not sacked the coach. What has happened is that we have sent him on leave because of the concern over his security. There was trouble in the Sofapaka match and Tusker as well on Wednesday and as a club we are concerned about him. If anything happens to him, we will be in so much trouble,” Lilumbi said.

He added; “An employer can always grant an employee leave and that is what has happened. He will return to the club during pre-season for the 2019 campaign.”

However, Secretary General Oscar Igaida gave a contrasting statement, saying the coach was headed to the United States on personal business, further putting into doubt whether or not the tactician will still be in charge of the team.

“Tom Juma will be in charge for the final two games of the season. The coach has been granted leave to travel to the US for some personal business and he will be back before the new season. We have not sacked him,” Igaida said in a response to Capital FM.

Efforts to reach the Argentine coach who joined Leopards in mid-season from Botswana side Gaborone United were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.

Zapata took over from Dennis Kitambi who had been handed the role following the sacking of Robert Matano early in the season.

On whether Zapata will still be in charge of the team in the new season, Lilumbi said; “I cannot say conclusively anything as at now. That will still pend on any recommendations the Executive Committee will have.”

Zapata on Wednesday told Capital Sport that he was not ready to quit the club but added that he would only do so if the club’s top hierarchy would seem it fit for him to leave.

“I will have a meeting with the Executive Committee to analyze the season and see what we need to do in the team and what’s better for us. If they think the coach is the problem then, it’s okay, I will go, but I think the problem is much deeper,” the tactician said.

AFC’s 1-0 loss at the hands of Sofapaka in the FKF Cup semis increased pressure on the tactician and Wednesday’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Tusker FC increased the calls for the tactician to call it quits or the club to fire him.

A section of fans who had attended the Wednesday afternoon tie in Machakos publicly told the coach on his face to quit the club with a section of the club’s backroom staff coincidentally joining the call.

AFC has been a notorious club known to hire and fore coaches at will and if Zapata’s term comes to an end, it will only be a chapter of the already best-selling book at AFC, anchored in firing of their tacticians.

Though regarded as one of the biggest clubs in the country, the club has not won the Kenyan Premier League title in the last 20 years and continuously remain in the shadow of arch rivals Gor Mahia who just this season picked their 17^th KPL diadem.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 –  Champions elect Gor Mahia are set to complete the double swoop of midfielder Kenneth Muguna and Ugandan left-back Shafik Batambuze, way early ahead of the new season which kicks off last week of November.

Muguna is set for a return to the club after an unsuccessful stint in Albania where he had moved to join his former boss Jose Marcelo Ferreira.

The midfielder found playing tough hard to come by and had to make a resort for a return to his former club which thrust him into prominence after sealing a move from Western Stima.

Meanwhile, Batambuze makes a return to the Kenyan Premier League after one year, returning to the country after spending one year in Tanzania with Singida United. Batambuze moved to Tanzania in a mega-money deal from Tusker FC.

“Talks are at an advanced stage with the two players and I have already received their release letters from their respective clubs. Because these are international transfers, we will wait till the window is opened to finalize. But more of less, we are almost done,” Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer Lordvick Aduda said.

The arrival of the Ugandan will be a welcome relief for Gor and head coach Dylan Kerr especially after the departure of Godfrey Walusimbi who left for South African top side Kaizer Chiefs.

The club had been on the pursuit of Rwandese Eric Rutanga from rayon Sport but sources intimate that the club was put off by the player’s huge asking price for both a sign on fee and salary.

Meanwhile, the club has already initiated talks for a contract extension for goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch who has however not played for the last two months because of a shoulder injury.

At the same, the club is set to land their hands on the 17th Kenyan premier League title on Sunday after their match against Mathare United in Kisumu on Sunday.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, September 29 – FAM KE Warriors are the 2018 Jr. NBA Nairobi Champions after securing a hard fought 34-30 win over Elite Pacers on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium.

Warriors forward Solomon Piper propelled his team to victory with 14 points in a match where they struggled to contain their opponents from Umoja.

Pacers had a narrow 18-17 lead at half time thanks to another solid performance from the 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Mugisha who also contributed 14 points.

Warriors picked up their game several notches after the break as Piper and final MVP Luol Eric took control of the tie to give their side a slim 21-20 heading into the fourth quarter.

Piper scored a crucial three pointer to give his team a vital seven point cushion with five minutes remaining in the game.

The Pacers refused to give in as Mugisha spear headed a late comeback but his efforts were not enough as Warriors saw out the match comfortably to win their first title.

Saturday’s final was the culmination of  a month of Under 14 boys’ basketball which saw 30 local school teams taking part.

Each school team represented one of the NBA teams and played their games in corresponding NBA team-branded jerseys.

The Nairobi league structure also mirrored the NBA’s with the teams divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences with the top eight from each conference qualifying for the playoffs.

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NAIROBI, Kenya – Club patron and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be the guest of honour during Kenyan Premier League Champions Gor Mahia’s coronation on Sunday at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Gor will be presented with the trophy after their match against 2008 title winners Mathare United in an occasion that is expected to rock the foundation of the lakeside city the club identifies as its spiritual home.

“Tomorrow (Sunday) is a big day and I’m asking you to be there because Gor will be in town. The match against Mathare is guard of honour, a formality. Raila will come to join us in celebrating our champions,” Deputy Governor, Kisumu County Matthews Owili announced on Saturday.

Having missed last year’s trophy presentation at the same venue, the former premier’s presence will add the stardust to the expected rousing party in honour of the team that extended its all-time league winning record to 17.

At the same time, Gor stars hailed the Kits for Africa (KFA) initiative after they were involved in distributing uniforms to 50 grassroots teams from Kisumu on Saturday.

Captain Harun Shakava, midfielder Francis Kahata and defend Joash Onyango accompanied their head coach, Dylan Kerr and club legend, Peter Dawo to Central Square at the heart of Kisumu where the presentation took place.

“This project is helping grassroots football to be felt. Our presence here has helped the teams feel they are recognized in Kenyan football,” the K’Ogalo said.

He urged leading bookmakers, SportPesa, who are behind the KFA initiative, to facilitate a tournament in the region to strengthen its ties with the beneficiary teams, some who have never played in any sort of uniform.

“If possible, we are ready to play a select side from this competition if it is organised. Personally, I can’t wait to be involved in this event in future,” the Kenya international defender emphasised.

“I feel honoured because it’s the first time I’m doing a noble cause in Kisumu. I believe our presence inspired the teams to believe that they too can make it in life,” his teammate Kahata underscored.

Onyango, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the club, playing a key role in their march to the title, insisted the KFA project could go a long way in fulfilling the dreams of many a local footballer.

“Our presence here has motivated the players to work hard. If possible, SportPesa should help these players pursue education apart from playing football,” the defender added.

KFA was launched two years ago where SportPesa partner clubs in Europe, Everton FC, Hull City FC, Arsenal FC, Torino FC and Southampton FC donate kit for the benefit of local teams in the continent.

-By SportPesa News-

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Sep 29 – The national women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers launched their FIVB World Championship in Japan on a winning note after stunning Kazakhstan in Pool D on Saturday.

Scoring as many as 28 points, Mercy Moim led her team-mates to a compelling success on the opening day in Hamamatsu.

In other results, Cameroon managed a come-from-behind Pool A victory over Mexico in four sets to register the first ever win for an African team in the history of the women’s World Championships.

This was the opening match on the 18th edition’s program and the sensational result set the tone for an exciting event. Blocking was Cameroon’s strong weapon against the North American opponents, with two players, Theorine Christelle Aboa Mbeza and Stephanie Fotso Mogoung, each scoring five of the team’s 13 stuffs on the way to success.

So more than 40 winless years after the African continent made its debut at the women’s World Championship, when Tunisia played in the 1978 edition, two CAVB representatives triumphed with maiden victories on the very same day.

Pretty much everywhere else in Japan, the favourites did not allow any surprises. In the only five-setter of the first competition day, Thailand came out on top against Korea.

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KISUMU, Kenya, Sep 30 – Mathare United came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with champions Gor Mahia at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Sunday, on the day K’Ogalo were laying their hands on their 17^th Kenyan Premier League title.

Gor had gone ahead through goals from Jacques Tuyisenge and Humphrey Mieno in either half, but Mathare fought back with substitute Klinsman Omulanga pulling one back before Cliff Nyakeya restored parity from the spot.

Under the sweltering mid-afternoon Kisumu heat, the game didn’t have much pace with both sides taking time to pass the ball around the simmering turf, pace hugely slowed down by the scorching 2pm heat.

Mathare were building up from the back, young keeper Job Ochieng being hugely involved.

However, it was Gor who broke the deadlock after eight minutes when Tuyisenge scored his 14^th goal of the season after beating the offside trap to face Ochieng one on one and calmly place the ball beyond him.

It was a positive start for Gor who were coming into the tie on the backdrop of three losses on the trot and with the feel good factor of the trophy day awaiting them, it was a brilliant way to get the party started.

Mathare though were not about to let their hosts take them for an evening stroll and gave a fight and had chances of their own. In the 20^th minute, Clifford Alwanga tried his luck with a shot from distance but it flew straight to keeper Peter Odhiambo.

Four minutes on the turn, Gor had another brilliant opportunity to double their lead when Ephraim Guikan was sent through by Tuyisenge, the Ivorian doing everything right but placing the ball inside the net.

Guikan did well to beat keeper Ochieng one on one but his eventual shot at goal was heroically cleared off the line by a sliding Samuel Olwande.

The Slum Boys having dodged a bullet increased their forays upfront and on the half hour mark, keeper Odhiambo was forced to work extra hard flying to his right to block a volley from Alwanga after a corner had been flicked his way on the right.

K’Ogalo had another great chance five minutes to the break off a counter when George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo won the ball on the left and raced into the box, but his shot placed to the bottom left of Ochieng’s goal missed the target by a whisker.

In the second half, Gor put their hands firmly on the steering wheel with Mieno scoring the second goal seven minutes after the restart, thumping home the ball from inside the box after a poorly defended corner.

Mathare made changes with Daniel Mwaura and Omulanga coming on to strengthen the attack and the drew one back in the 67^th minute when Omulanga tapped into an empty net when Mwaura had cut back a cross for him after going past keeper Odhiambo.

The Slum Boys completed their comeback 10 minutes from time when former Gor Youth midfielder Cliff Nyakeya converted from the spit after Omulanga had been pushed from the back by Gor hard man Joash Onyango.

Gor put in some hard work in the final 10 minutes to try get off with a win, but they could not get a goal to pick all three and raise the party mood.

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NAIROBI Kenya, Sep 30 – Though not entirely in the way they had envisaged it, Gor Mahia laid their hands on a record 17^th Kenyan Premier League title on Sunday in their coronation ceremony at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Gor threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Mathare United, a result that left even head coach Dylan kerr red-faced.

“I am happy we are lifting the title but I am not happy that we have to do it this way. I wanted us to win today and make it a happy occasion but it’s entirely not. But I am happy for the players they have worked hard for this and I am happy for the supporters. This is their trophy,” Kerr told Capital Sport.

He added; “We threw away the lead and we seemed in a comfort zone. We didn’t fight enough and we threw away balls very easily.”

Skipper Harun Shakava who received the trophy from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga acknowledged his teammates for putting in the hard yards of hard work.

“We are disappointed not to win on this special day but anyway, it is a happy day for us to finally get our hands on this title. We should go back to the drawing board and ensure we correct the mistakes we had in the last part of the season and prepare well for next season,” the skipper added.

But despite the disappointment of a fourth consecutive match without winning, the fans savored the moment with the players.

After the short trophy presentation, Gor drove out on their team bus with head coach Dylan Kerr on top with the trophy as they snaked their way through the streets of Kisumu celebrating their conquest.

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HAMAMATSU, Japan, September 30, 2018 – While a typhoon raged outside, Serbia displayed calm inside Hamamatsu Arena as they beat Kenya 3-0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-8) in Pool D at the FIVB Women’s World Championship on Sunday.

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers had started the campaign on a positive note on Saturday with a straight sets win over Kazakhstan, their first ever victory at the World Championships.

However, against a much experienced Serbia, they could not replicate the same results, but showed hunger and grit to win. Jovana Stevanovic sparked Serbia in the victory with nine points while Brankica Mihajlovic had eight and Stefana Veljkovic seven.

Mercy Moim who was in red hot form against Kazakhstan in Saturday with 28 points continued her streak top-scoring for Kenya with seven points in the loss.

Serbia is one of the top teams in the world, and with Kenya coming off a big win, it was going to be difficult for them to show the same energy as a night earlier.

The match did not have many long rallies, with many points over in a flash. Kenya was unable to contend with Serbia’s block.

The first set featured poor serving by both teams. Time and again serves flew long or straight into the net. Serbia took charge and pulled ahead 16-10 at the second TTO on a spike by Milena Rasic and rolled to grab the set 25-16. The higher-ranked Serbs finally got into a rhythm and came together.

Serbia again set the pace in the second set, moving out to an 8-4 lead at the first TTO following a service ace by Tijana Malesevic. Serbia’s wing spikers blasted away at the Kenya defense, which was unable to repel the constant attacks.

Serbia boosted their advantage to 16-6 at the second TTO while running off six consecutive points. Kenya was also troubled by unforced errors as Serbia built their lead and ultimately took the set 25-9.

The outcome became academic early in the final set when Serbia rapidly established a 9-1 lead. One point in the set crystallized the match. Serbia’s Veljkovic went up for a spike with her right hand but mistimed her jump.

On the way down she hit the ball with her left hand and it landed in a open space in the Kenya defense for a point. Serbia cruised the rest of the way to take the set and the match 25-8.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – Despite putting up a gallant fight in the first and second sets, Malkia Strikers failed to match the intensity of Puerto Rico before losing out by straight sets to the South Americans in their third match at the FIVB World Championship in Hamamatsu, Japan on Monday.

Japheth Munala’s girls were coming into the tie off another tough match against Serbia on Sunday where they also lost out by straight sets and despite a good start, Puerto Rico won the match in scores of 25-20, 25-22 and 25-15.

A hotly contested first set saw the Puerto Ricans use their experience to have an advantage over Malkia, but the second set gave some hope for the Kenyans.

They tightened on their blocks and led 19-15 at some point, looking all set to pull at least a set back. However, a series of error in reception saw Puerto Rico pick points off service with Stephanie Enright leading them on to win the second set.

Japheth Munala’s girls seemed to have faded off and lost the will to fight in the third set with Puerto Rico taking it easily after leading 8-4 and 16-8 at the first and second technical time outs.

Mercy Moim continued with her imperious form and was Kenya’s best scorer managing 14 points while Noelle Murambi managed 10.

Puerto Rico’s Daly Santana was the best scorer on her side managing 18 points while Enright collected 13 points, most of which came off her venomous serves.

The girls will now have a day of rest and recovery before taking on another tough battle against Brazil on Wednesday.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – Head coach Kwesi Appiah seems to have finally bowed to pressure and recalled top striker Asamoah Gyan to the Ghana squad for their upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone.

Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, missed the Black Stars surprise 1-0 loss to Kenya in September alongside the Ayew brothers Andre and Jordan, with the loss piling more pressure on Appiah who was just recently appointed to the slot.

The 32-year-old has played just twice this season for his Turkish club Kayserispor and is yet to score.

Ghana host Sierra Leone on 11 October and travel to Freetown to face the same opponents four days later. However, there is still no place on coach Kwesi Appiah’s list for the Ayew brothers.

Inter Milan’s Kwadwo Asamoah retains his place in the squad after returning to the team for the 1-0 loss to Kenya after a four-year absence.

The Black Stars loss to Kenya means that all four teams in Group F have three points from two matches.

Ethiopia, who have back-to-back games against Kenya, are the other team in the pool and won their last game 1-0 against Sierra Leone.

Ghana squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Lawrence Ati Zigi (Sochaux, France), Felix Annan (Asante Kotoko)

Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Andy Yiadom (Reading FC, England), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew, USA), John Boye (FC Metz, France), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Nicholas Opoku (Udinese, Italy)

Midfielders: Mubarak Wakaso (Deportivo Alaves, Spain), Isaac Sackey (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Afriyie Acquah (Empoli, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan, Italy), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Bernard Mensah (Kayserispor, Turkey), Christian Atsu (Newcastle United, England), Thomas Agyepong (Hibernian, Scotland), Nana Ampomah (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor, Turkey), Majeed Waris (FC Nantes, France), Emmanuel Boateng (Levante, Spain), Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia)

-By BBC

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1, 2018 – Chemelil Sugar picked up their third win in four games after beating Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 at their Awasi backyard on Monday afternoon, a result that hoisted the sugar belt side to 14^th in the standings with 38 points.

Jacob Ombija and Lucas Waitere struck the two goals, one in either half as the sugar millers handed themselves a huge relief from the relegation axe.

The result took Francis Baraza’s men to 38 points, one ahead of Nakumatt and Posta Rangers who have now slipped down to 15^th and 16^th respectively. Chemelil just need to win their final game of the season against Kariobangi Sharks in Narok to avoid relegation nightmares.

Last year’s fourth placed team Posta Rangers who have had a horrendous season now occupy the relegation play-off 16^th place slot and have to win their final game of the season against Homeboyz and hope either Chemelil or Nakumatt lose.

Whoever does not win on the final day of the season will drop down to the 16^th place spot which will condemn them to play the dreaded play-off against the third placed team from the National Super League (NSL) which can either be KCB, Nairobi Stima or Ushuru.

Nakumatt had results going their way after a new owner breathed a new lease of financial life, but they have found the rhythm fading over the last five games losing three and drawing the last two.

-Posta torrid campaign

Having been held to a 2-2 draw by Sofapaka in Narok on Sunday, they will face Vihiga United in Thika on the final day of the season in a must win tie.

Posta have had a torrid campaign and Sunday’s 2-0 loss at the hands of a resurgent Sony Sugar in Ruaraka gave just but a glimpse of how their season has unfolded.

Head coach Sammy Omollo said his team lacked desire to win and has now called on them to pull up their effort for the crucial final tie in Kakamega to avoid going back to the second tier.

“We are in a very bad position and I believe the players know that. They have to know the importance of our last game because if we slip it is going to be very bad for us,” the tactician said after watching his side’s lackluster performance against Sony.

Both Nakumatt and Posta are on 37 points and a -10 goal difference, but Nakumatt are 15^th by virtue of having scored more goals.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – Promotion-chasing Nairobi Stima find themselves engulfed in a huge battle in their journey to next year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) as they face the division’s top two sides in their final two games of the National Super League (NSL) season.

Nairobi face leaders and already promoted Western Stima on Wednesday at the Karuturi Grounds in Naivasha before concluding the season against second placed KCB in Nairobi on Sunday. Both matches will be key in their bid for a first ever top-flight promotion.

A win against their ‘big brothers’ Western Stima on Wednesday will make for a mouth-watering tie against second placed KCB on Sunday with three points separating the two sides in the standings, if the bankers beat Coast Stima on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Fred Ambani, a former Kenyan international admits they have their work cut out but says they are under no pressure only noting they will give their best on the pitch.

“It is a very tough path for us because both teams we are facing are very tough. But we are ready for it. For us, we just need to put our effort on the pitch and hope results favor us,” Ambani who assists another former Kenyan international Ibrahim Shikanda at the team said.

Nairobi Stima are four points ahead of Ushuru and if the taxmen drop points when they face GFE 105 in midweek, then the Nairobi based power-men will be assured of a chance at qualification with the play-off against the 16^th placed team from the KPL.

“We are ready for anything, but it is our wish that we get the automatic slot. Western Stima will be a very tough game because despite the fact that they have already qualified for the Premier League, they want to finish number one,”

“We beat them in the first leg and they will come in for revenge. For us, we are prepared for that game and the players are hungry to get results, from the way they have been playing,” Ambani further noted.

Ambani’s charges warmed up for the Stima Derby with a 2-0 victory over Administration Police while the visitors were 1-0 winners over Coast Stima on Friday, a victory that earned them a confirmed slot in next season’s KPL.

Elsewhere, KCB might confirm for themselves a slot in top flight on Wednesday if they pick up maximum points against Coast Stima and Nairobi Stima drop points against Western Stima.

Three points separate the two sides at second and third spot and if both win on Wednesday, the bankers will only need a point in the season ending match to pip them to the second automatic promotion slot.

Head coach Elvis Ayany has however said they are under no pressure, calling on his players to maintain calm and approach each game with 100 percent effort.

“It is step by step for us. Yes, we see the finish line in sight but nothing is done yet until we confirm that we have the automatic qualification ticket. The last two seasons, we have suffered because we won games even before playing them but now, we can’t underrate anyone. We will fight till the end,” Ayany told Capital Sport.

Though not admitting it, Ushuru seemed to have already resigned to the fact that promotion might be a foregone venture for them this season. Four points away from third place and motivation nowhere near close to fight, the taxmen might do with another season in the second tier.

Ushuru wasted chances on Friday before being held to a 1-1 draw by St. Joseph Youth, a result that with Nairobi Stima winning the next day meant their ambition was all going up in smoke.

“This was the match that I was really relying on to get three points and push, but it did not happen. That’s how football is. We must accept the results; win, draw or loss. The hopes are now minimal but we will see how things go before the season ends,” the experienced and long serving Kenyatta said.

The post Nairobi Stima in deep end for promotion bid appeared first on Capital Sports.

KISUMU, Kenya, Oct 1 – Gor Mahia finally laid their hands on their 17th Kenyan Premier League title on Sunday, pulling away further as the most successful club in the Kenyan top tier history.

K’Ogalo were confirmed champions after beating arch rivals AFC Leopards 2 – 0 on August 25 but had to wait until their third last game of the season to put their hands on the diadem.

AFC is Gor’s closest in terms of league titles having lifted 12.

Gor have dominated the local league winning every title since they broke their long wait in 2013, apart from 2016 when Tusker beat them to the crown.

Here are some images from the auspicious occasion in Kisumu that was nonetheless dampened by their failure to win, being held to a 2-2 draw by Mathare United.

The post In Photos: Gor crowned champs in Kisumu appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – Kenyan chess star Sasha Mongeli continues to shine in Batumi Georgia as the World Chess Olympiad enters round 7.

Sasha, 22, has won three games so far out of 4 and she is edging closer to a attaining World Candidate Master title.

“I thank God for this great chance of making it to my first Olympiad in Georgia, thanks to KCB BANK everything is working out well and I do hope that all my dreams come true, ” said Sasha.

Mongeli defeated Kosovo opponent in her opening game at the Sports Palace in the Georgian city of Batumi.

She termed the opening game as magnificent as she made a Queen d8 move that saw seraci nita resign after a tight 3hour game.

“I was tensed at the beginning, she had brilliant moves and I had to exploit her weak point,” added Sasha.

The TUK mathematics student defeated Senegalese Bianca Fatou during the 4th round of the competition.

“Bianca had poor defence, and I had to make a brilliant move, I played Queen f5 move to win the game.

Her third victory came when she faced Madagascar’s Lalaina Vololona. She made b4 winning move to win the game.

The post Kenyan Mongeli shines in World Chess competition appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – Legends Rose Tata Muya and peace icon Tegla Loroupe are among the high-profile personalities who are expected at the inaugural Refugees Marathon to be held on Saturday, October 6 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park grounds.

Event organisers, Bahati Ghislain and Jean Pierre Ngirabahire, have confirmed everything is set for the first ever such event for refugees in Kenya saying the aim is to celebrate the Kenyan government and the people of Kenya for their hospitality.

Loroupe, a UN peace ambassador, said the event is a major talent identification pool for her refugee athletes programme, having advocated for stateless athletes to take part at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

“They go through a lot and its very painful that talented youth can’t exploit their gift because of problems they have no control of,” she said.

“It is a good event and I always want to support such ideas because they are the ones that advance the cause I have always championed.”

“If not for the warmth and nature of Kenyans we would never have known peace,” said Bahati, 24, who moved to Kenya 10 years ago from Democratic Republic of Congo after losingall his family members.

“This country has made me everything I am because they allowed me to feel human again. I have every reason good to say about Kenya.”

Jean Pierre said they would use the event to donate blood to the national blood bank but “are still working on the modalities of partnering with the national blood transfusion centre.”

“We have really thought about how or what we can do to show our gratitude to the great people of Kenya and we thought this would be a good way of saying thank you,” he explained.

“This is about celebrating Kenyans who have allowed us to live amongst them like brothers and sisters. We also want us to raise awareness on the plight of refugees and what it means to be one because we go through but Kenya has made us feel human again.”

The event themed #RunaMileinRefugeeShoes is being organised under the auspices of Kintsugi, a community-based organization that mobilizes refugees with a view to helping them through the different challenges they face in Kenya.

It brings together refugees from different nationalities who are currently residing in Kenya, mainly from DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia among others.

Other than the 10kilometre run and the 4km fun run, the day’s programme will also feature entertainment by different choirs and artistes, blood donation as well as sensitization on different issues affecting refugees.

Over 3,000 refugees will take part in the event that will kick-off at 7.00am.

“We are appealing to His Excellency Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to support the event, even to just flag us off,” concluds Bahati, saying that the more than 70,000 refugees in Nairobi are law-abiding and wish to work with the county leadership.

Huge refugee populations are in Eastleigh, Kasarani, Kawangware, Kabiria (Riruta Satellite) and Kayole in Nairobi County and Kitengela (Kajiado County).

The post Loroupe, Tata to grace Refugee Marathon appeared first on Capital Sports.

Nairobi, Kenya, Oct 2 – Twenty-four-year-old Electrical Engineering graduate Brian Kiptoo finally drove off the Sh2.5 million worth Honda saloon car he won during the 2018 FIFA World Cup final viewing at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in June.

Five other lucky fans rode off with their new motorcycles won from a free raffles challenge on the evening France thrashed Croatia 3-1 to lift the coveted football trophy. Honda Kenya placed an embargo on the vehicle and motorcycles until the winners completed their driving lessons.

The two-month delay in giving the winners their dues was occasioned by Honda’s safety regulations also involved thorough background checks on the winners as well as transfer of ownership.

“I’m so happy to finally receive the car because it has been two months of anxiety. It was my lucky day since I did not spend any amount coming to KICC. I just saw the advertisement of world cup final viewing at KICC and decided to come watch.” Said the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology graduate

“After being announced the winner I could not take the car instantly because of one or two reasons but I have finally attained my license and happy to have it. I was always on the phone asking if the day will come or just to find out if the organizers had changed their minds. They assured me that all was well and now it is indeed a reality.” He added

Honda Kenya Chairman Isaac Kalua emphasized on the need for riders and drivers adhere to safety measures on the road to avert the many fatalities and injuries that result from recklessness.

“Safety of all road users is paramount and that is why we had to delay the handover of these motorcycles and the car. The winners did not have driving license and that was one requirement. They can now do business and move around safely on those bikes. We have transferred ownership to them,” Kalua said

KICC Chief Executive Officer Nana Gechaga hinted at hosting fans to view the Africa Cup of Nations Finals next year at the same venue.

“This was to send out a message that we have the capacity to safely host such events at KICC,” She said.

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