Zanzibar beat defending champions Kenya 3-1 to record their first win over the Bobby Williamson’s charges in 35 years.

Zanzibar last beat Harambee Stars 2-1 on 11th November 1980 in Sudan under then Stars’ head coach Martial Mulwa. The result leaves Kenya’s fate hanging in the balance as they will wait for other results to see if they qualify as best losers.

Suleiman pouched on a loose ball from poor defending to drive in the first goal past over stretched Kenya keeper David Okello at the stroke of half time, before Khamis Mcha Khamis doubled the lead twelve minutes after the break – tapping in from a lovely cross from the left.

Despite Kenya introducing Michael Olunga and Jacob Keli for Kevin Anwayi and Kevin Kimani respectively,the Islanders did not slow down as Khamis grabbed a brace in the 74th minute.

Keli scored the consolation for Kenya in the added minutes of the game but it was too late for them to make a comeback as Zanzibar held on to the respectable scoreline.

Zanzibar are however out of the tournament after two initial losses in group “B” against Burundi and Uganda.

@bonfaceosano