By Administrator,
Kenyan International Allan Watende Wanga was the hero for Sudanese giants El Mereikh scoring the decisive goal that helped his side crowned the new Cecafa Kagame cup final beating hosts APR of Rwanda 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
A beautifully move initiated by captain Ahmed Elbasha was met by speedy Wanga who turned his marker inside out to unleash a sweet shot past a hapless Oliver Kwizera in APR’s goal for the solitary goal in the 24th minute.
It was sweet victory for El Merreikh who last won the competition in 1994 and 1989 adding the 2014 trophy in their cabinet who was recently signed by the Sudanese from Kenyan premier league side AFC Leopards.
Allan Wanga was over the moon after the win saying “I thank God,My wife and family and all the fans and my team mates it was indeed a great day adding another trophy to my cabinet and helping my team El Merreikh to an important trophy”Wanga told Soka25east.com
His Ugandan compatriot and one of the best players for El Mereikh Ugandan keeper Omar Salim Mangoola who has only been at the club for two months having transferred from KCCA of Uganda in June admitted that he is extremely impressed with his team’s performance.
“I am so happy that we are champions of CECAFA. It means a lot to me because this is my first trophy with El Merreikh and for sure we played outstanding football here in Kigali,” explained the 19 year old Magoola after the final.
It was the second consecutive year APR has failed to win a final after falling to Burundi’s Vital’O in last year’s final in Darfur.
The three-time winners of the regional competition had previously lifted all their three titles on home soil reputably in 2004, 2007 and 2010.
El Merreikh bagged $30,000 for emerging winners while APR walked away with $20,000 for being the first runners-up.