Kenya are the champions of the East and Central African soccer bonanza.
A Matasi magic in the decisive penalty shootout was all that ensured Harambee Stars bag their seventh regional title beating 1995 Champions Zanzibar 3-2 .This is however 7 titles short of neighbours Uganda.
Youngster Ovella Ochieng lightened the capacity crowd at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos with a well taken free kick in the 5th minute to put Kenya ahead .
Zanzibar players were not deterred by the set back and continued to pile pressure as the match ended with the hosts leading.
The second half began with Zanzibar trying to search for an equalizer and even the injury and withdrawal of their top striker Abdoulaziz Makame didn’t stop them from eyeing the Kenyan goal that was well protected by keeper Matasi and his defense.Matasi was on the brink of completing the entire tournament without conceding but double boy Kassim Khamis scored at the death to deny Kenya an outright victory pushing the match to the extra time .
KPL top scorer Masoud Choka Juma scored Kenya;s second after a goalkeeping error but the hosts celebrations were short lived as Khasim Khamis penetrated inside the tight Kenyan defense and made away with a precious goal that sent the match to penalties .
The crowd that included Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto, Sports Minister Hassan Wario, FKF President Nick Mwendwa, FKF Vice President Doris Petra, Governors Mike Sonko (Nairobi),Dr Alfred Mutua(Machakos),CECAFA sec General Nicholas Musonye and a host of dignitaris could not believe their eyes .
In the ensuing penalties Posta Rangers keeper Patrick Matasi stole the show when he saved Adeyum Ahmed ,Mohammed Issa Banka and Issa Dau ‘s spot kicks .Only Yanga;s Mudathir Yahya and Feisal Abdula had their way in .Kenya scored through Joakins Otieno Atudo,Wesley Onguso and Samuel Onyango while Dancun Otieno had his shot saved by Mohammed Abdulrahman
Kenyan players will each get atleast Ksh 300,000 extra after Deputy President pledged Ksh 5 miliion personal donation,Mike Sonko Ksh 1 Million,Dr Mutua Ksh 1 Million and CECAFA winners cut of Ksh 3 Million totalling to Ksh 10 million.
Despite the loss Zanzibar government have organized a heroic welome for their team today 3pm when the team touch down at the Abeid Amani Karume international Airport with President Ali Mohammed Shein expected to host them later at statehouse.
Thousands of Zanzibaris flocked the Mchezanu round about where big screens were erected to have the residents watch their team play.
Zanzibar fans match toward the round about where huge TV screens were erected to have a glimpse of the final match.Kenya won 3-2
