NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 – Mary Keitany overcame stiff opposition to reclaim her New York City Marathon title, cutting the tape in 2:22:48 on Sunday.

Keitany, the three-time London Marathon champion has now won the New York Marathon title four times after taking the women’s crown back from American Shalane Flanagan who beat the Kenyan marathon star to second place in 2017.

With the pace blistering and unrelenting, the lead pack was reduced to the duo of Keitany and Ethiopian Rahma Tusa before the Kenyan overpowered her competitor to surge all the way alone to clock the second fastest time in the New York Marathon course.

That’s 4 #TCSNYCMarathon wins for Keitany! 🥇🥇🥇🥇 pic.twitter.com/EWQJcc8Yyb

— TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) November 4, 2018

Kenyan Margaret Okayo is the New York Marathon women’s record holder with a time of 2:22:31 set in 2003.

“I felt great today. I’m really happy for winning. I did not give up (after last year). I went back home and said I will try my best and that’s why I came back and that’s what I did. I worked very hard for the victory,” Keitany said.

Keitany, the women-only marathon world record holder with a time of 2:17:01, shed massive five minutes off the time she clocked last year. With the win Keitany, 36, pocketed Sh10m (USD100,000) prize money.

Compatriot, Olympic champion in the 5000m, Vivian Cheruiyot finished second on her debut in the race, returning 2:26:02 while defending champion Shalane Flanagan of America settled for third in 2:26:32.

Only Norway’s Grete Waitz, a nine-time champion from 1978 to 1988, has won more New York women’s titles than Keitany.

Keitany stayed with the leaders from the start, taking on the challenging pace of Ethiopians Netsunet Gudeta and Rahma Tusa in a breakaway midway into the 26.2-mile race over the streets of New York.

World half-marathon champion Gudeta cracked in the 16th mile and Tusa faded in the 18th, leaving Keitany to run alone to the finish line over the closing miles.

Very happy to finish 2nd in the @nycmarathon today off very interrupted training due to a leg injury. Congraulations Mary Keitany who was very strong today. pic.twitter.com/aoFlkyjEf8

— Vivian Cheruiyot (@VivianCheruiyot) November 4, 2018

Flanagan and Cheruiyot, the 2016 Olympic 5,000m champion who won in London in April, charged over the final miles to claim podium places.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 – Three-time World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor was dethroned his New York City Marathon title after finishing third in a race that was won by Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa on Sunday.

Kamworor and Desisa were fighting for the lead at mile 25, but Desisa kicked through to cross the finish line in 2:05:59, two seconds ahead of compatriot Shaura Kitata who came second while Kamworor faded to third in 2:06:26.

It was a historic day in perfect running conditions for 50,000 entrants in the 26.2-mile showdown over the streets of New York.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Desisa, second in New York in 2014 and third in 2015 and 2017, finally claimed the crown and could not hid his joy.

“I (was) thinking this year to be a champion. I’m very thirsty to be the champion. I’ve been second. I’ve been third. This year I decided to be champion because I had the training, everything in my power I controlled. Today is my day. I’m very, very happy,” Desisa said after the race.

Kamworor and Desisa were fighting for the lead at mile 25, but Desisa kicked through. pic.twitter.com/xr3ZJXhSzy

— TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) November 4, 2018

Desisa surged late to grab the lead then withstood a finishing kick from Kitata to win the 26.2-mile showdown over the streets of New York.

Kitata, six years younger than Desisa at age 22, settled for a second major marathon runner-up finish this year and taking second in London.

Desisa was 54 seconds off the New York men’s record set in 2011 by Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya in 2011.

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LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 5 -The Gor Mahia squad here in Liverpool has been boosted with the arrival of new signing Shafik Batambuze with the left back having joined up his new teammates in training Sunday evening, just two days before the SportPesa Trophy game against Everton on Tuesday.

The Ugandan left back signed from Tanzania’s Singida United less than three weeks ago trained with the rest of the squad at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground, and he says he is ready to make his debut tomorrow.

“I really feel great and honored because we were almost four of us signed, but the club only saw it fit for me to come. That is a great respect and a responsibility placed on my shoulder to show why I was brought in. I am ready for the task and on Tuesday, I will show I on the pitch,” Batambuze told Capital Sport after training with the squad.

Batambuze had to take a priority Visa after his travel was confirmed late and could not travel with the rest of the squad earlier on. Striker Jacques Tuyisenge who scored the lone goal when Gor lost 2-1 to the Toffees last year in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is meanwhile expected to arrive in Liverpool today.

Batambuze was brought in to fill Gor’s lack of depth in left back, the positin left out of strength since the departure of fellow Ugandan international Godfrey Walusimbi who left for South African outfit Kaizer Chiefs.

He is expected to slot in straight to the starting line up and will be in line to make his debut when K’Ogalo takes the Merseyside club in the friendly on Tuesday night at Goodison Park.

“It has been great training with my new teammates and I don’t fell new at all. It has been very easy slotting in because we know each other with many of the players,” Batambuze said.

The Ugandan played for Western Stima, Sofapaka and Tusker FC before leaving for SIngida at the beginning of the season where he has just played for 10 months before making the decision to come back to the Kenyan league.

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom-

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LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 5 – Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia had their first full training session at Everton’s Finch Farm ground in Liverpool, having arrived at Merseyside on Friday night.

The team on Saturday held a light session under the tutelage of England National Team physical performance coach David Tivey.

On Sunday though, the team went full flight training from 3pm UK time (5pm EAT) under very cold conditions, the open Finh Farm pitch not making it easy for the players.

Temperatures were going down as low as 7 degrees.

Here are some of the images from Sunday evening’s session.

-Hands akimbo-

With the cold and the intensity of training, there was no room for weakness!

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom-

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LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 5 – Rwandese striker Jacques Tuyisenge who scored the lone goal as Gor Mahia lost 2-1 to Everton in Tanzania last July will miss Tuesday evening’s return tie against the Merseyside club at Goodison Park after failing to land his visa on time.

Tuyisenge had taken a priority visa having arrived late from international duty but up to Monday morning, he was yet to get it and hence unable to travel with the match just less than 48 hours away.

“He is distressed. I would be if I was in his shoes. It is sad for us and even more sad for him. I feel for him really,” a dejected Dylan Kerr, Gor Mahia’s head coach told Capital Sport.

His absence will now leave the tactician with an attacking problem to solve on a game that is side needs to be at their best scoring form. Burundian forward Francis Mustafa is expected to step forward and fill the void.

“With Jack not here it hampers our plans because he is our best striker and our first line of defense,”

“I have been frustrated for 15 months with our finishing but the excuse I can accept in Kenya is that the field is not up to standard. But here, we have been training at a good facility and we will play at a good facility. I am now not worried about finishing because as well, we have been creating chances,” the tactician said.

“We played a small 25 minute game today with two teams and it was lovely the way we were doing infront of goal. Francis Mustafa looked on fire,” Kerr further stated.

Gor will hope to pull in a good show against Everton especially having watched their game against Brighton over the weekend and Kerr having also previously watched their tie against Crystal Palace.

The tactician has challenged his players to go into the pitch and give a good account of themselves, showcase their talent and open up doors for their future.

“I have faith in them that if anyone gets the opportunity, they will go and show some good standard of football. I don’t want them to go in there and then leave with regrets after 90 minutes. That would be disappointing for me,” the tactician stated.

“I want them to play with confidence, character, energy and belief and then the game will dictate itself,” the confident Kerr further stated.

Tactically, the tactician says possession of the ball will win them the game, accepting that Everton are at a higher level irrespective of who coach Marco Silva will field.

He however notes that with the confidence his team has picked over the last few days, they will be in to match their opponents man for man and says they will go for the win and ultimately clinch the Sportpesa Trophy.

“We can’t afford to give Everton a chance on the ball because they have very good players whether it’s a different squad or not because if you play for Everton, you must be really good. If we get to dictate possession, we will cause them problems. But we have to be really organized,” he further noted.

“I have noticed that sometimes we are not patient enough and it is something I have told my players. We need to be patient and not rush in attack and wait for the best moment to hurt them. We are here to enjoy but at the end of the day, there are expectations. I hope it doesn’t get the better of them,” Kerr insisted.

He has also says he will be cautious to pick the strongest team despite the fact that all players want to play, saying he wants to give the best shot and ensure they pick a historic win that will propel them to new heights.

Among the players who are expected to slot into his starting team include new signing Shafik Batambuze who joined the team in Everton on Sunday evening.

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom- 

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LIVERPOOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 6 – Everton FC manager Marco Silva says he will ring changes to his squad when he parades his team out to play record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia in the SportPesa Trophy match at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.

The game will come less than three days after they played against Brighton & Hove Albion and four more before they play on-form Chelsea in an English Premier League match at the same venue.

“It will be important to give some minutes for different players. For sure, some of the players (who played against Brighton) will not be on the pitch. This match is important but the next match is even more important. I want to be fair and honest with you that most important is next weekend,” the tactician said.

Among the players who will be in line to start against Gor is keeper Maarten Stekelenburg who started between the sticks in Tanzania last year, conceding a goal from Jacques Tuyisenge’s header.

Colombian defender Yerry Mina will also be in line to make his first full start for the side having come off the bench in the Brighton win to see off the games in the final four minutes.

Mina, on loan from Spanish giants Barcelona will be expected to start against Chelsea with current stopper Kurt Zouma not allowed to play against the London side as he is on loan from them. Silva might be bent to give Mina a few minutes to get his sharpness on point.

Brazilian forward Richarlison will definitely be out of the match after picking up a knock on his ankle early on against brighton, but he continued to play on scoring two goals.

“For him, for sure, 100pc he will not play. He is a soldier, he is resilient because even after getting injured, he still wanted to play. That’s the spirit I want to see,” Silva said of his star striker’s availability for the game.

But even if the Portuguese coach decides not to field his first team stars, he is still expected to put out a decent squad that will give a good account of themselves. The likes of Senegalese forward Oumar Niasse might get a few minutes under their belts.

Meanwhile the tactician says he expects a tough game from Gor saying he knows a bit about them and concedes it will not be a walk in the park.

“I expect a very tough game and I know it will be a good moment for our opponents. It is always good to see different players playing and we know something small about them. It is an important moment for them because it is their first time in England and we are here to give them a good game,” Silva further stated.

He adds; “It is important to enjoy the game but it is important also to give them a good game because they have come all the way here to play in his historic stadium. We are ready for everything,” the Portuguese former right-back noted.

The match ended 2-1 last year in favor of Everton in what was Dylan Kerr’s final match as the Gor Mahia coach. Word is that the coach might soon be leaving and the Everton game again, this time in Goodison par might be his last lining out in the green and white of Gor.

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LIVERPOOOL, United kingdom, Nov 6 – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga known most by hi fans and followers as Baba yesterday paid Gor Mahia a surprise visit at their Hilton Hotel residence on Monday night, the eve of their big friendly match against Everton FC at their Goodison Park home ground.

Odinga, who is also the Gor Patron arrived in Liverpool, United Kingdom earlier on in the day and decided to surprise the team with a visit at their hotel and motivate them ahead of their SportPesa Trophy tie.

He was accompanied by his daughter Rosemary Odinga and son Raila Odinga Junior while Siaya Senator James Orengo is expected later Tuesday.

“I am here as the patron of the club. We did everything we could and left everything to come here and witness Gor making history as the first club from Kenya and Africa to play in English soil. The team is not here as a result of charity but winning the ticket, we are here to give you moral support and I want to thank those involved, like SportPesa,” Odinga said as he addressed the team at the hotel.

Just like the great orator he is, the former Prime Minister wowed the crowd with his football support journey that has seen him cheer on Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Dortmund, Roma, AC Milan and his current love Arsenal.

He also cheered up the players by urging them to take on the Everton players without fear or intimidation as they are men, with equal strength, just like them.

“It’s not a matter of life and death but the most important thing is to showcase yourselves. It’s not a battle between David and Goliath, it’s between Goliath and Goliath, we want you to have confidence in yourselves.”

“Sometimes people go there with fear as if you are meeting a lion. Just go there be confident and play your game, these are just normal human beings like you…. wanaume kama nyinyi. Go to the field without fear,” Odinga urged the Gor players.

He says Gor playing in English soil is a huge thing for not only Kenyan football but the continent and he hopes it will be the beginning for the betterment of football in the country to reach the standards set in the English Premier League.

He has urged the Gor players to take their chance and do their best on the pitch to showcase Kenyan football, saying it might be their big opportunity to improve their football careers.

“It is a huge chance; one of you may get picked up and you have an opportunity to showcase yourself. What I want is not a win at all costs, but what will please me is that you have shown your best and show that football exists in Kenya. That is what will please me; not how many goals you have scored, but the fact that you have represented Kenya well,” Odinga insisted.

Others present include Sports Principle Secretary Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia and SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri who handed the team a token of appreciation of Sh2.1mn.

“Go there, do your best and just know that we are behind you 100pc,” Karauri told the players.

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom- 

The post ‘Baba’ makes surprise Gor visit in Liverpool appeared first on Capital Sports.

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 6 – When record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia take to the field to take on English Premier League side Everton in a friendly match on Tuesday night, two players will hope to at least get a few minutes under their collars.

Striker Eliud Lokuwam and left-back Raphael Asudi are two of the youngest players in the team at 20 and 19 years respectively and on their maiden overseas trip with the team, they will hope to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing on an English Premier League ground.

“Being here is the biggest thing first of all. When I saw I would be travelling with the team, I couldn’t help my excitement. This was my first time ever on a plane and it being to come to an English Premier League ground made it even better,” Lokuwam told Capital Sport.

“It wasn’t so strange on a plane though. It was my first time ever but I realized, it’s not so much different from taking the buses to Mombasa. It was very exciting though,” the Turkana-born striker further joked.

Asudi who has to fight for a place in the team with new signing Shafik Batambuze and Wesley Onguso also took his first ever trip outside the country, and on a plane, and he notes playing on match-day will be a huge thing for him.

“I came into the team hugely unknown, but look at me now. I am in England with the team for the friendly. I feel very privileged also noting that I am still very young in the team,” the French student at the Alliance Francaise said.

He added; “I know it is tough because competition is very high in the team, but I will be happy if I get a chance to play. Even if I won’t, the experience enough has been great for me. I have learnt a lot in these few days we have been here.”

The two have amassed several minutes in the Premier League thanks to head coach Dylan Kerr’s rotation policy at the club due to congestion of fixtures, with Lokuwam having scored twice in the league.

“It has been a steady rise and I am really thankful. I have worked hard and I thank the coach because I played some matches this season. This is only the beginning and I am hopeful if I work harder I will get more chances,” the Finance and Economics third-year student at Kenyatta University further stated.

The striker joked that he took some time to get used to the weather but now that he has, he is enjoying his stay in Liverpool.

“Eh, it is very cold. I have never felt this way before. You know even where I come from, (Lodwar), it is very hot. But we have coped. What makes it warmer is knowing that you are on the same training ground the likes of Sigurdson (Gylfi) and Walcott (Theo) use. It is very exciting,” Lokuwam joked.

The striker started off playing for army side Laikipia Airbase where he was born before playing for Kenyatta University’s team when he started school three years ago.

The two now hope, if they are given a chance, they will impress and probably a scout sees their work and earn a chance to probably get a deal outside the country.

“We leave all that to God. If we get a chance, we will impress and then from there wait to see what will happen. But no pressure, the most important thing is that we are here and we are learning,” Asudi stated.

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom- 

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LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 6 – Everton FC shot stopper Maarten Stekelenburg says he expects a tougher challenge from Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia when the two sides clash for the SportPesa Trophy on Tuesday night under the Goodison Park floodlights.

The Dutch keeper who started in goal last year during the first meeting between the two sides in Dar es Salaam Tanzania last December expects a much improved Gor and has warned his teammates not to underrate the Kenyan giants.

“African football in general has made improvement especially tactically over the past few years. I don’t think it will be an easy game for us. They are a good team and I know they can cause us problems,” the keeper told Capital Sport.

He added; “Last year in Tanzania it wasn’t easy. They ran us very close and I know it will be tougher this year. The only thing is that I heard they are out of competition for a month now and I hope they didn’t have too many parties, but nonetheless, it will be a difficult game,” he further stated.

Stekelenburg is expected to start in goal ahead of England international Jordan Pickford in some of the changes head coach Marco Silva is expected to make for the game putting in mind they played on Saturday against Brighton and have a massive game against Chelsea over the weekend.

“Of course the timing is not great for us because it comes very close to the busiest period of the season. But again it’s Tuesday and we will have plenty of time to recover before the Sunday game. The coach will put out a strong team I know because it will be a tough test for us,” he noted.

“It is an opportunity for other players to gather some much needed playing time because everyone has to be ready in case anything happens to one of the starters. We need to have good depth,” further stated the six-foot keeper.

The teams will be contesting for the SportPesa Trophy and Stekelenburg says that will be motivation for his teammates to put in the hard yards of work and win.

“There’s a trophy to win and everyone wants to win a trophy. We will give it the best shot,” he noted.

The match will be played at 7pm UK time, which is 10pm back at home and shown on all the major television stations.

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom- 

The post Everton keeper expects tough K’Ogalo test appeared first on Capital Sports.

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 6 – In and around Goodison park from Saturday, adverts were all over, popularizing the historic Everton v Gor Mahia SportPesa Trophy friendly match set to be played Tuesday evening, with fans excited to see their team play against a Kenyan side.

A few fans Capital Sport spoke to over the weekend as Everton FC played Brighton at Goodison Park say they are excited to see what Gor have to offer, saying they will come in to enjoy the game and possibly, give support to K’Ogalo on their maiden UK adventure.

“It should be exciting. I watched their game on TV against Everton in Tanzania last year and I think they are a pretty decent side. That’s as far as I know about them,” one of the fans said.

When I explained to them Gor Mahia’s pedigree and what they have achieved back home, they were excited.

“Wow! They must be a very good side. 17 time champions? That’s some good team. They have played other teams in the continent so they should be a very strong squad,” he further stated.

Another fan I spoke to said he didn’t know nothing about the Kenyan champions, but said he would come to the stadium just to watch them.

“To be honest mate I don’t know much. I have only seen their logo in the ads but I have to come and watch them. I love Everton and I always love to be here when they play. Tuesday is no different,” another noted.

At our Hotel in the outskirts of Liverpool’s city centre, we met with a season ticket holder Tony Elston who amazingly travelled with Everton to Tanzania last year when they played Gor and he vividly carries memories from that day.

“It was an amazing time. Beatiful country, beautiful people in a beautiful stadium…. It was an amazing experience to watch Gor Mahia and I am so happy they have now come to England,” Elston said, speaking to Capital Sports.

The season ticket holder believes Everton are much better than they were last year and says Gor should expect a very tough game, and notes it might be hard for them to win at Goodison.

“They should expect a much better Everton. The team has moved on a lot with better players, a faster team and a more attack minded coach. There might not be too many first team players playing, maybe six, but they should still expect a tough game,” he said.

Will Gor win? “No, I don’t think so. But I hope it will be close. Last year was 2-1, very close but I am hoping it will be more competitive. Maybe, you will score a few goals and leave with a smile on your face,” joked Elston.

Tickets for the game have been selling at £5 all round (Sh662) and £1 for kids (Sh129) and a section of fans were already buying them at the stadium on Saturday.

Being a Champions League week, it is not expected that the stadium will be full but attendance has been approximated at close to 10,000.

Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr says a bus loads of his friends will be coming down from Scotland and Ireland to cheer on the team.

-Timothy Olobulu is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom-

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LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 6 – Gor Mahia skipper Harun Shakava says the team is under no pressure as they prepare to face English Premier League side Everton FC in the SportPesa Trophy friendly game in Liverpool on Tuesday evening.

Shakava notes the boys are calm and relaxed ahead of the tie and know what they need to do to make a better representation of themselves.

“It is all about character. We have no pressure despite the expectations from the fans and the demands that come with playing for Gor. This is our job and we have to focus on the game and what we do on the pitch as a team,” the defender said.

He says tactically, they have done their homework well and top on their agenda is ensuring Everton don’t see more of the ball than them.

“We have to play the ball and not lose possession. We need to have that confidence to play and everyone must be ready to give their all. It is a huge test for us. We haven’t played in this kind of stadium or atmosphere before and we need to be at our best,” further stated Shakava.

Having watched Everton play Brighton last Saturday, Shakava says the team knows their hosts strengths and weaknesses and will be ready to sting.

“Everton play well compared to us because they control the game very well and attack in numbers realy quick, But, we also have our way of play and the coach has told us to play with no pressure and enjoy the game. I hope we can do that then the results will come,” he opined.

The defender was part of the squad that travelled to Hull City in 2016 as part of the SportPesa All Star team that faced the hosts in a friendly match which ended 2-1 out of their favor.

He hopes the experience he picked back then will be vital for his side as they play the game, and more so, the calming effect that comes with an experienced head.

The skipper also notes they have adjusted to the weather having struggled in training for the past two days and says they are ready to warm up the Goodison Park with some exciting football.

“At least it is not as bad as when we played in Tunisia and Algeria for the Champions League. We have adjusted to it and I know we will be ready to play well,” he said.

The post No pressure ahead of Everton tie-Shakava appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 6 – Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is set for a three-day visit to Kenya beginning November 23, courtesy of Barclays Kenya- a member of Absa Group Limited.

Fowler, who is best remembered for his time at Liverpool and as the six-highest goal scorer in the history of the Premier League, will be in the country for several activities aimed at engaging EPL fans in Kenya.

During his stay, Fowler will host a number of customer engagement forums; interact players and officials of the National Football team; conduct a football clinic with young footballers under the Musa Otieno Foundation among other engagements.

As part of his visit, Fowler will also share his football career experience and business ideas with university students under the Barclays ReadytoWork programme.

“Over the years, Barclays Bank has been a proud financial partner of the English Premier League, a collaboration that has seen many premier league legends visit Kenya as part of activities to enhance our brand visibility, reward loyal customers with memorable experiences, as well as inspire local footballers,” Barclays Marketing and Corporate Relations Director Caroline Ndungu announced.

“The EPL is one of our most valuable partnerships and Fowler’s visit is a reassurance that our customers will continue enjoying the benefits of this partnership even after we transition from Barclays to Absa. From a business perspective, we want to use this campaign to reward our loyal customers and build on our brand equity by going beyond conventional financial services and offering memorable experiences,” Ndungu added.

Fowler’s career at Liverpool is notably the most remarkable, with more than 171 goals scored for the club over 330 appearances for the club.

The post Liverpool legend Fowler set for Kenya visit appeared first on Capital Sports.

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 6 – First half goals from Ademola Lookman and Kieran Dowell and a late second half double from Nathan Broadhead and Oumar Niasse saw hosts Everton FC thrash record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia 4-0 in a historic friendly match at the Goodison Park on Tuesday night.

The hosts were clearly the better side in a game that saw Gor Mahia boss Dylan Kerr give all his players a chance to show themselves in the once in a lifetime SportPesa Trophy game.

Coming off a weekend game against Brighton and looking on to this weekend’s game against crunch tie against Chelsea FC, head coach Marco Silva had decisions to make.

Most of the Everton first team stars who started the weekend game against Brighton at the same stadium were rested with Silva making sweeping changes, but still managed to put up a strong side.

Colombian defender Yerry Mina who arrived at Goodison from Barcelona in the summer transfer window was handed his maiden start for the senior team having come on as a sub against Brighton.

Skipper Phil Jagielka returned to the starting team and partnered the Colombian at the heart of defense. Red-hot Lookman started out on the wing while French international Morgan Schneiderlin partnered Tom Davies in midfield.

Cenk Tosun, limited in starts in the Premier League due Brazilian striker Richarlison’s form was handed the role to start.

For Gor, Kerr handed Ugandan left back Shafik Batambuze his debut having signed from Singida United in Tanzania while Philemon Otieno was moved into midfield with Karim Nizigiyimana starring up at right back.

-Mustafa for Tuyisenge

In the absence of striker Jacques Tuyisenge who missed out on a visa, Burundian Francis Mustafa was handed the role upfront.

Under the shivering late evening cold at Goodison Park, temperatures going as low as nine degrees Celsius and the sweeping wind not making things easier, it was the hosts who looked comfortable in the early exchanges, passing the ball around with ease.

But it was Gor who had the first sniff at goal after eight minutes when Mustafa was put through by Batambuze before sliding in a low cross into the box, but Samuel Onyango handed a rare start could not connect on target, the ball going wide.

The patient Everton however broke the deadlock after 16 minutes when Lookman tapped into the net from three yards out from Tosun’s low cross off the right after Gor lost the ball in midfield.

It took the side just eight minutes to double their lead, Kieran Dowell hitting the back of the net with a low shot inside the box. Dowell scored Everton’s winner when the two sides clashed in Tanzania last year July.

-Another Gor mistake

The second goal also came off a Gor mistake. From a counter, Joash Onyango did well to tackle  Dowell at the edge of the box, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin was quicker to react, taking the ball and feeding Dowell who was already up and on his way.

The striker noticed keeper Boniface Oluoch flat footed and took a low shot that evaded the keeper’s grasp.

Despite going two down, Gor tried to raise their tails and fight for some pride and they had a chance in the 33^rd minute when George Odhiambo cut in from the left to the edge of the box but his final shot went way over the bar.

On the other end, Oluoch made a fine save with is finger tips turning behind Calvert-Lewin’s shot from inside the box after he found some shooting space in a forest of legs.

-Lookman cross

Ten minutes later, a sweeping move saw Lookman win the ball in a dangerous position before feeding Dowell whose eventual shot at goal was well saved by Oluoch.

At the start of the second half, both coaches made changes, Marco Silva pulling out keeper Marteen Stekelenburg for Joao Virginia while Kerr pulled out Onyango and Nizigiyimana for Humphrey Mieno and Bernard Ondiek.

The changes meant Otieno moved to right back while Mieno moved to midfield with Ondiek going out wide.

And Gor had the brightest start to the half with Odhiambo making one of his trademark runs down the left channel finding space, but his eventual cross was met by no one inside the box with a gaping goalmouth.

Two minutes on the turn, Batambuze made a goal-line clearance denying Ademola Lookman who had driven into the box after Kahata had lost the ball, rushing to the byline before his shot skipped past Oluoch.

-Better side

Gor seemingly came back a better side in the second half with the changes Kerr had made having brought some stability in the team.

They should have halved the deficit after 57 minutes, but Mustafa missed an empty net.

Kahata’s brilliant ball dumped behind the defense saw substitute keeper Virginia rush to punch out off Odhiambo’s path, the ball landing on Mustafa who however couldn’t hit the back of the net with the keeper down.

On the hour mark both coaches made two changes.

Keeper Oluoch and Mustafa made way for Peter Odhiambo and Kevin ‘Ade’ Omondi respectively while CJames McCarthy and Oumar Niasse were introduced for Tosun and Calvert-Lewin respectively by Silva.

Both coaches made further changes with Kerr handing a role for youngster Raphael Asudi on the big stage while Silva also handed youth players Kyle John and Anthony Gordon opportunities to play.

Substitute keeper Odhiambo made a fine save in the 75^th minute coming swiftly off his line to deny Niasse who had been sent through by Lookman.

In the final 10 minutes of the game, Kerr handed playing time to all the other players who were on the bench to see off the final wave of the game.

The post Everton hit Gor in historic Goodison friendly appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – The 40th edition of the Kenya National Chess Championship will be held from December 12 to 16th at Parklands Sports Club.

The tournament is the climax of Chess Kenya’s activity for 2018 and is most anticipated in their calendar.

This year’s event has a record Sh400,000 prize money for the winners and is therefore expected to provide fierce competition.

There are a total of 10 prizes in Open section with the winner walking away with Sh100,000. The ladies will play in their own separate category and will also have the same number of winners as in Open section.

Other prizes will be awarded to best player rated under 1600 Elo, under 1400 Elo and best juniors under the age of 20 years (a boy and a girl).

The reigning National Champion Benjamin Magana is expected to face stiff competition from his rivals who have been training for the event since June.

The main opposition will mostly come from his teammate Tactician Joseph Methu, Gohil Mehul and Jackson Kamau. Other contenders in open section include Githinji Hinga,Dr. Victor Ngani, Steve Ouma and Nathan Ateka.

The reigning ladies champion Joyce Nyaruai is expected to face an uphill task to defend the title. This year’s performance puts two new kids on the block ahead of her in many top-rated tournament. Sasha Mwongeli from Technical University of Kenya has been on the rise having staged the best performance during world Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia with 7/8 score in her debut.

She was awarded the coveted woman FIDE master title. The other is Lucy Wanjiru from University of Nairobi who not only score well at World Olympiad in her debut but also is the top lady currently in the league. Other top contenders in the lady’s category include Gloria Jumba (KCB) and Daphne Mwikali (Equity Bank)

The tournament will also be used to select a five-player team, Both Men and Ladies, for next year’s All Africa games to be held in October in Morocco. The national championship will act as the first phase of selection process where top 20 players will proceed to second phase.

The tournament will also be used to select top under 20 Juniors to represent Kenya in Africa Junior Chess Championship to be held in Uganda from December 28th to January 4 ,2019. The junior, a boy and a girl will be fully sponsored to battle out with Africa finest chess players to qualify for world junior championship 2019.

“we are expecting very huge turn up this year since we have increased prize fund. There is also huge interest to qualify for All Africa Games and this will make one of the toughest event this year. Chess Kenya is looking forward to make this event the biggest on its calendar and in future,” said Benard Wanjala, Chess Kenya President

The tournament will run for nine rounds. Each player will be given 90 minutes plus 30 seconds each game. Registration deadline is December 10 with participants in the open category paying Sh1,500 while Juniors and ladies will pay Sh1,000 each.

The post Kenya National Chess Champ set for Dec appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – Experienced fly-half Eden Agero will captain Shujaa as the team seeks to defend the Safari Sevens this weekend at the RFUEA Ground.

Agero will be assisted by Michael Wanjala with the rest of the players forming the squad including Herman Humwa, Alvin Otieno, Harold Anduvate, Johnstone Olindi, Daniel Taabu, Mark Wandetto, Charles Omondi, Dennis Ombachi, Cyprian Kuto and Leonard Mugaisi.

Samuel Motari will skipper the second string Morans side which also features Brian Wahinya, Eliakim Kichoi, Timothy Mmasi, Brian Wandera, Mark Kwemoi, Gregory Ochieng, Shaddon Munoko, Paul Mutsami, Ronnie Omondi, Vincent Onyala and Eric Ombasa.

Both teams will be under the tutelage of Paul Murunga and Kevin Wambua while Lamech Bogonko is the team physio.

Squads

Shujaa

Eden Agero, Michael Wanjala, Herman Humwa, Alvin Otieno, Harold Anduvate, Johnstone Olindi, Daniel Taabu, Mark Wandetto, Charles Omondi, Dennis Ombachi, Cyprian Kuto and Leonard Mugaisi.

Morans

Samuel Motari, Brian Wahinya,Eliakim Kichoi, Timothy Mmasi, Brian Wandera, Mark Kwemoi, Gregory Ochieng, Shaddon Munoko, Paul Mutsami, Ronnie Omondi, Vincent Onyala and Eric Ombasa.

The post Agero to skipper Shujaa at Safari 7s appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7- Decorated Brazilian football star Ronaldinho will play in an exhibition match alongside Kenyan football legends that comprises of former Harambee Stars skipper Dennis Oliech against KPL side Sofapaka FC at the Ruaraka KCB Sports Club on Sunday.

Ronaldinho, who is the official Betika brand ambassador, will also be involved in the match courtesy of the gaming firm which also sponsors 2009 KPL champions Sofapaka FC.

The Kenyan legends team will be handled by former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and will feature Mahmoud Abass, Oliech and 1987 Africa Cup Winners’ Cup winning captain Austin Oduor.

Other players include former Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno, Kakamega Homeboyz striker Allan Wanga and former AFC Leopards and Stars goalkeeper Matthew Ottamax.

Ronaldinho, who won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002, will be in the country for a three-day visit to promote grassroots football.

Sofapaka captain Stephen Waruru is looking forward to sharing the pitch with the double FIFA World Player of The Year, who is regarded as one of the most skillful player to have ever played the game, lighting up European football for many years always with a smile on his face.

“The Brazilian has retired after an extraordinary career, but his wonderful talent will be remembered for ever. And playing against him will change our history,” Waruru said.

Waruru believes that playing against the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner will give him the feel and impression of playing in the World Cup despite the country never having qualified for the football showpiece.

“Watching Ronaldinho was fun, it made people happy and playing against him will be inspirational. His visit will inspire upcoming footballers and allow them to dream big,” said Waruru adding that his team-mates are also excited at being accorded that rare opportunity thanks to Betika.

Sofapaka finished fifth in the 2018 Kenyan Premier League and reached the final of FKF Cup against Kariobangi Sharks.

The club founded in 2004 participated in the 2010 CAF Champions League and have also taken part in the CAF Confederation Cup three times.

Kenya legends Team

1. Mathew Ottamax
2. Josiah Ougo
3. Tom Juma
4. Simeone Mulama
5. Ramadhan Balala
6. Francis Oduor
7. Titus Mulama
8. Allan Wanga
9. Maurice Sunguti
10. Edward Karanja
11. Dennis Oliech
12. Victor Onyango
13. Mahmoud Abbas
14. Austin Oduor
15. Musa Otieno
16. Henry Motego

Coach – Jacob Ghost Mulee

The post Ronaldinho, Oliech in legendary star-studded team to face Sofapaka     appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – The national women’s football team Harambee Starlets warmed up for the upcoming 2018 Africa Cup of Nations (AWOCON) with a 1-1 draw against visitors Ghana’s Black Queens at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday.

The Black Queens rallied from a goal down to share spoils as both teams get ready for the continental showdown.

Mercy Achieng had given the Starlets a 15th-minute lead when she tapped in a low cross by Mwanahalima Adam after a swift counter-attack.

The Black Queens would, however, get back in the game, and deservedly got an equalizer after Linda Eshun sent a low shot into the left corner from a well-executed set piece.

Ghana had a chance late on to nick a win but were denied by the crossbar with the hosts holding on for a draw.

The match was a buildup to the upcoming Africa Women Cup of Nations, set to be held in Ghana between November 18, and December 1, 2018.

The post Starlets, Ghana draw in Nations Cup warm up appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – Kenya national 15s boss Ian Snook says despite his team entering the 2019 Rugby World Cup repecharge as underdogs, he is hopeful they can book a first ever final berth for the global showpiece and become the third side from the Africa to qualify for the World Cup.

Snook will lead Kenya against tournament favourites Canada, Hong Kong and Germany after they finished second in the African qualifiers behind perennial finalists Namibia, losing only one match to the latter.

But he says it will be a tough task having played only one warm-up match against Romania, who defeated Kenya 36-5 in Bucharest this past weekend.

“We probably needed two or three more warm-up games to be better prepared, but we must just go into the repechage without them,” Snook told KweseESPN in an exclusive interview from Bucharest.

“The Romania game is the only warm-up we have had, so the preparation has been pretty minimal. But the boys are in good spirits, so we will see how we go.”

The Simbas were also to have played British Army Training Unit-Kenya (BATUK), Namibia and Loftus 200, a semi-professional side from South African club Vodacom Blue Bulls, but the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) said in a statement: “Namibia are unable to travel to Kenya for the fixture due to some internal administrative issues, while BATUK and The Loftus 200 pulled out of the set matches due to financial constraints.”

Kenya open their campaign in Marseille against Canada on Sunday, which will be a crucial test of their chances against many people’s pre-tournament favourites.

“It will be a huge game for us, we’ve got a couple more days to turn up and put in a really good performance,” Snook says. “Whoever gets the jump in those first two games will stand a big chance.”

Kenya face Hong Kong in their second game, on Nov. 17, before a clash with Germany six days later to round out their pool campaign.

The top team in the pool will advance to the World Cup, where they will be placed in Group B alongside world champions New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia.

“The big thing for the boys is to make sure they play as well as they can, to reach the level we know they can do,” Snook says.

“We have watched footage of Canada and they are well organised, so it will be very difficult.”

Kenya appointed Snook in March to boost their bid to reach the World Cup, and he has worked hard to try and get the side to play a more expansive game.

“We probably spent the first six weeks just trying to get them fit,” he says.

“But we had a core squad that were in reasonably good nick. The tight five weren’t there, though, so to be honest we worked on running laps and so on before we even got into the coaching.

“From there it was understanding the process of trying to get them to play a more fluent and open game, rather than just battering in around the ruck.

“There are a lot of talented athletes in Kenya, and we are trying to exploit the explosiveness and the strength they have.

“Added to that, we need to bring that together with an understanding of when to pass and how to manipulate the opposition defence. Kenyan club rugby tends to be fairly direct in style and we believe more thinking is required.”

Snook said the potential was huge for Kenyan rugby, who are already a respected nation in the Sevens format, and a World Cup appearance would be a tremendous boost for the 15-man game.

“There is so much talent in Kenya, they probably don’t even realise the level they could potentially reach. They have done well in the Sevens of course, though to my mind they could go up another level there too.

“The awareness from the public in the game is also really high. Even just getting this far has created a lot of interest, and the support in the stands during the Gold Cup was outstanding. It is a country where the game can grow.”

-By Kenya Rugby Union Website-

The post Simbas out to hunt WCup slot in repechage appeared first on Capital Sports.

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, Nov 8 – Record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia last Tuesday got to make some new piece of history, becoming the first ever Kenyan club to play at Goodison Park, the football shrine of English Premier League side Everton FC.

Though at the end of it all was a 4-0 spanking by the on-form English side who fielded a strong side, Gor left Goodison and indeed Liverpool with invaluable experience, one they will cherish for years and tell the tale to their children and their children’s children.

Here are some shots,, delivered by the Everton FC media team on the match day and how the experience was, witnessed by close to 5,000 people on a cold and quite chilly evening in the English city of Liverpool.

The post In Pictures: K’Ogalo vs Everton at Goodison appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 8 – World record holder Eliud Kipchoge and three-time Berlin Marathon champion Gladys Cherono have been named the 2018 Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) best Marathoners.

“The AIMS athletes’ nomination committee has decided that for this year (1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018) Kipchoge and Cherono were the outstanding candidates for the awards based on their performances over the past 12 months.”

Kipchoge is undefeated in the marathon in 2018, winning in London and Berlin. His victory in Berlin was in a world record of 2:01:39, taking 78 seconds off the previous record – the biggest single improvement on the world record for more than 50 years.

Cherono won the Berlin Marathon in a world-leading time of 2:18:11. She finished fourth at the London Marathon earlier in the year in 2:24:10.

The achievements of the two Kenyan athletes will receive global recognition during the AIMS ‘Best Marathon Runner’ Awards Gala in Athens, Greece on Friday 9 November.

The post Kipchoge, Cherono win 2018 AIMS Award appeared first on Capital Sports.