NAIROBI, Kenya, May 26 – Harambee Stars head coach, Adel Amrouche, has axed former captain, Dennis Oliech from the starting line-up for Friday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations return leg away to Comoros.

Oman based Midfielder Jamal Mohammed will also not be involved due to illness with the Belgian dropping the AC Ajaccio forward to the bench on disciplinary grounds with the record goal scorer said to have absconded camp.

Oliech who trained with the team on Tuesday, three days to the match failed to report back to camp after the first leg tie where they won 1-0, going missing for the last 10 days.

“I’ve spoken with Oliech and it seems he has a personal problem which I cannot comment on but he knows the rule very well, if one does not come for training, he simply can’t play it doesn’t matter who you are and it’s not because you have a name, all the players are also good.

“If one doesn’t want to play I can’t force him, I will give the chance to other players that I have been working with. I respect my team but Oliech failed to show respect and when we make a decision we don’t reverse it, so for the next game he should forget since I will not field him, he is a good player and may be our opponents will be happy but I will not entertain this,” an angry Amrouche stormed after Tuesday’s training at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The Belgian continued to say, “David Ochieng and Mohammed were sick and they came to ask for permission and I gave them but Ochieng reported to training and for Mohammed he has not come back yet so I will not give him a chance since he has not trained.”

This is not the first time Oliech has disappeared from camp despite being in the country.

Before the first leg, he among other foreign based payers joined camp three days to the match after jetting in few days earlier, something that enraged Amrouche and last year, he was also dropped from Kenya’s final 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to Nigeria on similar grounds.

Meanwhile, Norway based first choice custodian; Arnold Origi is expected in the country tonight for the second leg after missing the opener due to commitments with his Lillestrom side.

The return of Origi will see, Bandari custodian Wilson Obugu who started relegated to the bench.

“We spoke in the morning and he confirmed he was coming so I expect him in camp tonight. He is a good goal keeper and we welcome him back,” Amrouche stated.

About the return leg in Moroni, the coach said he expects a tough encounter since the Islanders already understands how they play.

“We are preparing for the game seriously but it’s not easy since I don’t have all my players, for example from Tusker and Gor Mahia who were playing yesterday but most important we are working as a team and we hope to give our best in Comoros.

“Our objective is to qualify for next year’s Afcon and nothing else,” he concluded.

Top Fry Nakuru forward John Ndirangu is the latest inclusion in the team that is set to depart Wednesday for the match that will be played on Friday.

Stars have a 1-0 advantage and a draw of any kind will see them progress to the next stage where they will meet the winner between Liberia/ Lesotho and if they progress, Group C that features 2013 Afcon finalists Burkina Faso, Gabon and Angola awaits.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 28- Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama has expressed disappointment after the departure of head coach Mauricio Pochettino to their rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a five-year deal.

Last summer, the Argentine made Wanyama the second most expensive signing for Saints when he splashed 12.5 million pounds on the midfield dynamo from Scottish champions, Glasgow Celtic in a record deal for a Kenyan player.

“I learnt a lot from him, he taught me more and that’s why I have grown as a player and there is a big difference compared to when I was at Celtic. He played a big role in my career development.

“I wanted him to remain because he had the passion for the club and I think the owners should not have let him go because the team can do better next season. It’s a big blow because he had good connection with the players,” the Kenya captain Wanyama told Capital Sport ahead of their departure for Comoros on Wednesday.

Pochettino signed the polite midfielder last July for £12.5m (Sh1, 841, 756,822) from Celtic FC, making him the most expensive player to be sold by a Scottish club.

The Argentine, who steered the Saints to an eighth-place finish in the 2013/14 campaign, resigned on Tuesday and will bring his backroom staff with him to White Hart Lane.

Assistant head coach Jesus Perez, first-team coach Miguel D’Agostino and goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez following him in making the switch to the London club.

Wanyama will lead his nation in the second leg of their 2015 Africa Nations Cup preliminary round qualifier against the hosts in Moroni.

Besides Wanyama, Pochettino is credited with bringing the prominence of other young stars such as England trio, striker Jay Rodriguez, midfielder Adam Lallana and left-back Luke Shaw with the pair set to follow the manager out of St. Mary’s.

“I don’t want the pair to leave since we can build a successful team together at Southampton,” Wanyama said on the duo that is with England for the Brazil World Cup.

WASHINGTON, May 28- Malcolm Glazer, the owner of English Premier League giants Manchester United and American football team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died Wednesday, it was announced.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85,” a statement on the Buccaneers website said.

“A dynamic business leader, Glazer helped mold the Buccaneers into a model franchise and one respected league-wide.”

Glazer purchased Manchester United in 2005, controversially saddling the world famous club with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt in a leveraged buyout.

Glazer’s stewardship of United has coincided with a glut of silverware — including five Premier League crowns and the 2008 Champions League title — and has also been the subject of sustained anger from Manchester United’s fan base.

Fans have complained that Glazer’s ownership model has forced United to spend millions of pounds servicing the club’s debt — money which could have been spent on the transfer budget.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 29 – Southampton midfielder and Harambee Stars captain, Victor Wanyama has hinted a possible exit from the Saints to pursue the dream of returning to the UEFA Champions League.

The 22-year-old midfield maestro last played in the prestigious competition two years ago while with Scottish champions, Glasgow Celtic where he scored a goal in their historic 2-1 victory over four-time champions Barcelona at Park Head.

“I will be happy to play in any team that is in the Champions League, that’s my aim, I wanted to face a new challenge in English Premier League and now that I’ve conquered it, very soon I will be going back to playing in the biggest tournament in the world.

“I tasted it and I think it’s important to all footballers,” the soft spoken defensive midfielder told Capital Sport in Nairobi.

Wanyama became the first Kenyan player ever to score in the Champions League after netting the opener through a powerful flying header before forward Tony Wyatt struck the winning goal at a group game in Glasgow.

Now his ambition is to match elder brother, MacDonald Mariga who won the competition with Inter Milan in 2010.

“It was a good feeling when I scored against a big team like Barcelona since we were the first to break their unbeaten run before bitter rivals Real Madrid beat them too, so they only lost those two matches and that makes me feel proud until today,” he added.

Wanyama who joined Saints last summer on a four-year deal worth 12.5 million pounds (Sh1, 841, 756,822), becoming the second most expensive signing at the club.

His admission he would be open to greener pastures will come as another blow to Southampton who lost their manager, Maurico Pochettino to EPL rivals Tottenham on Monday in a development Wanyama expressed his disappointment.

The midfielder was hoping the Argentine could stay because he contributed a lot in his carrier development since he landed in England but after his exit, Wanyama termed it as a major blow to the entire team.

“I learnt a lot from him, he taught me more and that’s why I have grown as a player and there is a big difference compared to when I was at Celtic.

“I wanted him to remain because he had the passion for the club and I think the owners should not have let him go because the team can do better next season. It’s a big blow because he had good connection with the players,” he noted.

Pochettino left four months after Nicola Cortese tendered his resignation as chairman and Wanyama hopes key players such as England trio, striker Jay Rodriguez, midfielder Adam Lallana and left-back Luke Shaw will stay so they can build a successful team next season.

“When the chairman left it was sad for all of us and we agreed to perform well for his sake since he brought the team together and I remember when we started the league he was proud of the team because he is the one who made it.

“The rumours of Lallana and Shaw leaving started long time ago, it’s their future so I can’t talk more about them but it could have been good if they stayed so that the team can get stronger and grow together.”

Commenting on the difference between Scottish league and EPL, he said, “I feel good playing in EPL and actually being the first East African to play in a major league.

“There are big differences compared to Scotland where you find at most only five teams are competitive but here the league is tough since all teams are strong making every game a challenge,” he explained.

“There are few players who can play in EPL because it’s the hardest league, the pace is very high.

“It has quality players like Luis Suarez who is very intelligent having all the qualities a footballer may need since he has the speed and knows how to position himself giving defenders difficulties and can score at any time, he deserved the PFA Player of the Year award,” he added.

“Playing against big teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool was a priority to me since I gained a lot of experience but there is no small team, all are tough because most have excellent players so I usually take every game as a big match,” Wanyama continued.

Injury setback

After playing 12 games, the powerhouse midfielder suffered a hairline fracture to his leg during their 3-2 home defeat by Aston Villa and was sidelined for more than six weeks.

“It was so hard for me because I got injured after only playing less than 10 matches. I fractured my leg after colliding with Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan which kept me out for long.

“The injury continued to recur whenever I returned for the matches forcing me to miss many games, I felt bad because it was my first time to get long term injury but I worked hard and at the end I was fit something that helped me finish the league strong,” he disclosed.

Wanyama was upbeat they will perform better next season and hope to improve on their previous performance where they finished eighth with 56 points.

He pin pointed their first leg match against Liverpool who finished second, four points behind champions Manchester City as his most memorable match.

“My best game was against Liverpool where we beat them 1-0. Playing at Anfield against the passionate crowd saw my dream come true and that made me not forget that match since they were the toughest team at that time after going four matches unbeaten,” he concluded.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 30 – Harambee Stars are through to the second round of 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers after Racing Genk midfielder Ayub Timbe scored his first goal for Kenya and coach Adel Amrouche was sent off in a dramatic return leg against Comoros that ended 1-1 in Moroni on Friday.

The Belgium-based winger who was playing for the Kenya for the second time converted a free-kick from outside the box in the 57th minute at Mitsamiouli International Stadium before Ben El Fardou levelled in the 72nd after following defensive lapse.

With a quarter of an hour to go, Amrouche was given his marching orders but the team held on to qualify 2-1 on aggregate after taking a 1-0 lead into the match from the first leg almost a fortnight ago from Nairobi.

Stars now await for Sunday’s clash between Lesotho and Liberia in Maseru to know the identity of their second round opponents with the latter 1-0 to the good from the first leg in Monrovia.

The fiery Belgian national was sent for confronting fourth official, Andre Rakomamonjy from Madagascar.

It took the intervention of Inter Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga and Football Kenya Federation Technical Director Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee to calm down Amrouche who was banished to the stands for the second time in his Stars career following his red card away to Nigeria in Calabar last June.

Should Stars progress, they will join Group C of the final qualifiers that features 2013 Afcon finalists Burkina Faso, Angola and Gabon awaits.The second round first leg will be played on the weekend of July 18 with the return leg set for a fortnight later.

Amrouche made three changes from the squad that won the first leg, starting with Norway based custodian Arnold Origi in goal instead of Bandari’s Wilson Obungu, KF Tirana’s Francis Kahata in midfield for Jamal Mohammed and MC Alger forward Edwin Lavatsa upfront in place of the axed record goal scorer, Dennis Oliech.

Playing in front of their fans, the Islanders started the match in attack in search of the equalising goal that saw the visitors survive early scares with Origi rescuing Soule Mohammed’s shot from the left after beating Aboud Omar.

Comoros continued to pile pressure forcing Origi to pull another save, denying Mohammed Yousouf as they shared the spoils at the breather.

Kenya resumed with an attacking mind and could have broken the deadlock in the 48th after Kahata set Lavatsa a low pass that left him with keeper to beat but the former Gor Mahia forward’s effort hit the side net.

Four minutes later, Fouad Bachirou broke through on the counter but Origi easily picked his feeble shot before USA based defender Lawrence Olum cleared El Fardou’s attempt.

The home side were punished in the 57th from a well taken free-kick by Timbe outside the 18 yard box curled beyond keeper Mahamoud Mroivili to open the scoring.

At the hour mark Origi’s time wasting tactics earned the Islanders an indirect free kick but the latter could not utilize the opportunity as the Lillestrom shot-stopper punched the ball to save Kenya the blushes.

Comoros withdrew Captain Nadjim Abdou for Mohammed Mchangama in the 63rd, two minutes later Amrouche introduced Mariga for defender David Ochieng but it did not take long before Comoros leveled ithrough El Fardou after Stars defence went walkabout.

EUGENE, Oregon, June 1-Two of the big middle-distance questions coming into the 40th edition of the Prefontaine Classic, the third leg of the 2014 IAAF Diamond League, were whether Kenyans Asbel Kiprop and David Rudisha would continue to dominate their respective events as they have in recent years.

The answer was a resounding no.

The penultimate event of the program saw Rudisha, the Olympic 800m champion and world record-holder, put forth a gallant effort before fading badly to seventh place in his first race in nearly a year due to a knee injury while Nijel Amos of Botswana sprinted to victory in a world-leading 1:43.63 to break the meeting record.

“It was tough, but I’m happy to run 1:44,” said Rudisha after running 1:44.87.

In the Bowerman Mile, the meeting’s signature event, Kiprop saw his bid for a record fourth consecutive victory go up in flames on the final lap as world indoor champion Ayanleh Souleiman charged to victory in 3:47.32, breaking IAAF Diamond League record and the US all-comers’ record.

“My dream was 3:47 or 3:48,” said the 21-year-old Souleiman, who won 800m bronze at last summer’s World Championships. “I’m happy today.”

Souleiman’s time, which makes him the 10th-fastest performer in history, broke the IAAF Diamond League record of 3:49.09 set by Kenya’s Haron Keitany at this meeting in 2011, and the meeting record of 3:48.28 run by Daniel Kipchirchir Komen of Kenya in 2007.

Kiprop looked strong early, running behind the pacemaker in second place through 800m. After the pacemaker stepped off on the bell lap, Kenya’s Silas Kiplagat surged three meters into the lead approaching the final curve. Kiprop covered the move but could not stave off the hard-charging Souleiman, who flew into the lead and never looked back.

Kiplagat finished second in a personal best of 3:47.88. Aman Wote finished third in an Ethiopian record of 3:48.60, while Kiprop faded all the way to seventh in 3:50.26.

“I was expecting to run close to 3:47 and unfortunately it wasn’t my day,” Kiprop said. “I don’t know. I wasn’t comfortable. In the last 200m I wasn’t responding. I think this is due to that we came from the World Relays last weekend and came straight here.”

Rudisha calls performance ‘a good start’

Like Kiprop, Rudisha looked a lot like his peak self during the early goings of the race. His stride hardly looked laboured during the opening 400m, as he followed right behind the pacemaker through the halfway point in 49.82.

It is normally at this point where Rudisha begins to open up his stride and pull away from the field, but after nearly 12 months away from racing, that next gear was clearly absent from Rudisha’s arsenal.

So too was his speed endurance. Although he was able to fight off a challenge from world champion Mohammed Aman on the backstretch, he had no answer for the surge that followed in the final 200 metres and was eventually swallowed up by six runners.

“In the beginning, I started pushing,” said Rudisha, whose seventh-place time of 1:44.87 was nearly four seconds slower than his world record of 1:40.91 from the London Olympics. “Only the last 100m was a little bit tough. I started a bit late with my training this year, only in March, due to the knee problems. It has been like a crash programme to get ready.

“I need to sharpen up to get competition-ready. The body needs competition to build that speed. I was tiring over the last 100 metres. I’ll go back and see how I can build up so I can finish next time. But to be out for so long, I am satisfied with my time of 1:44.”

Olympic silver medallist Amos was impressive in getting by both Rudisha and Aman, breaking the meeting record of 1:43.68 set in 2011 by Abubaker Kaki of Sudan. Aman, the fastest 800m runner in the world in 2013, finished second in 1:43.99 while Kaki finished third in 1:44.09.

“It shows I’m in good shape,” Amos said of his performance. “I just ran my race. I didn’t care who was in the race; I was going to run my race all the way through.”

ELDORET, Kenya, June 2- In a powerful demonstration sports cuts across all divides, International Olympics Committee (IOC) president, Thomas Bach, defied a travel advisory against Kenya to make a heroic visit to Kipkeino High School in Eldoret on Sunday.

Amid tight security, the Olympics boss spent four hours being garlanded, celebrated and entertained as he opened a classroom and multipurpose hall at the institution founded by IOC honorary life Committee Member and Kenyan legend, Dr. Kipchoge Keino.

And the enthusiastic students were not left empty handed as Bach promised his body would aid in providing water, solar technology for electricity and the goodie that resounded the most, a new school bus.

“We take this school as a serious project and I will return here hopefully soon to see how far the progress has gone. It is a shining example of how sport can be used to develop the youth as an educational facility started by one of the greatest stars of the Olympics movement,” the German national said.

He flew in from Gaborone, Botswana in his private jet from the Africa Youth Championships that concluded and landed at Eldoret International Airport shortly after 3:30pm local time (+3GMT).

In a snaking convoy that included Olympic champion, Ezekiel Kemboi, Bach was driven to inspect the ongoing works at the Kipkeino Stadium in Eldoret where the tarmac is being laid before the tartan.

“We will see what we can do to make the rest of the facility become world class,” he noted as he was driven to the school where fanfare greeted him.

He then left for Addis Ababa to conclude his whistle stop African tour, the first since he was elected to head the IOC last year, succeeding Belgian Jacques Rogge.

“The IOC has been the main funder for this school and we shall strive to develop our youth through sports and education. It has been a long journey but we hope that this will become one of the best examples of the spirit of Olympism by developing future heroes,” Dr Keino said.

Uasin Gishu Governor, Jackson Mandagor, welcomed the IOC to partner with the County to establish a centre in Eldoret “Since this is the area that has the highest concentration of Olympians in the world.”

“We should also partner to turn Kipkeino Stadium into a world class facility to benefit this and other surrounding Counties that are a reservoir of talent,” the County boss added.

America, UK, France and Australia issued a travel ban for their nationals and closed some of their consular services last month due to heightened threats of terrorist activities largely blamed on Al Qaeda linked group Al Shabaab.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 3 – Gor Mahia head coach Bobby Williamson, says it will not be easy to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they welcome defending champions Tusker FC for the return leg of their KPL Top 8 semi-final at Nairobi’s City Stadium on Wednesday.

The Scotsman, who missed the first leg in Meru after he was bereaved, believes Brewers will enter the clash with a defensive mind.

“It’s a football match and we will approach it the same way as every match. We want to do well for our fans and progress to the final but we expect a tough encounter since we are a goal down and Tusker are very good defensively.

“We must get an early goal but when it comes at the last minute it will be good as long as we keep it alive. Fans are very vocal and demanding we urge them to continue with the support since they will encourage us to get the goals we need,” Williamson told Capital Sport after conducting Tuesday’s training.

In the first leg, Francis Kimanzi charges outplayed K’Ogalo with midfielder Kevin Kimani, Khalid Aucho and forward Clifford Alwanga giving keeper and captain Jerim Onyango a hard time.

But according to Kimanzi, the battle is not yet over since it’s a knock out competition and anything can happen.

“It’s still a hard fight since it’s a knockout, Gor needs a goal to equalize and that will make it tight,” the former Harambee Stars tactician stated.

The Brewers will be looking for a draw to book a place in the final and repeat last season’s outcome when they eliminated K’Ogalo at the same stage 1-0 on aggregate.

Should the sides be level on aggregate, penalties will be used to get a winner.

Defender Solomon Nasio and winger Innocent Mutiso are sidelined with injuries for Gor but the return of Onyango, dependable defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino and left back Musa Mohammed in training after national team commitments is a major boost.

Tusker will enter the match fresh from eliminating Western Stima 3-2 in the GOtv Shield second round over the weekend unlike Gor who have not played since the May 25 first leg clash.

Kimanzi’s camp has been lifted by the return of key defenders, stopper Jockins Atudo and left back Aboud Omar who travelled with Stars for the return leg of 2015 Afcon preliminary qualifier against Comoros.

Their season head to head favours Tusker who have beaten and drawn with Gor thus far.

Its yet to be seen if the K’Ogalo will overturn the deficit as they seek to reclaim the trophy they last won two years ago.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4 – Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia midfielder, Anthony Akumu, has completed a six-month loan switch to Sudanese League side Khartoum National FC that runs until December 31st.

Club Secretary General Chris Omondi, confirmed the development to Capital Sport, saying the deal was completed after agreeing on personal terms.

“Akumu is leaving Gor after completing talks with the Sudanese club. Probably today will be his last match for the club and that’s if he will be selected. I believe this is for the benefit of the player.

“Gor is a big club we will find his replacement during this transfer period because I believe there are many young good players outside there who are eager to fill his shoes,” Omondi added on Wednesday.

Akumu, who was a regular in coach Bobby Williamson’s first X1 squad, was instrumental in the team’s midfield that saw K’Ogalo lift last season’s KPL trophy for the first time in 18 years as well as reaching the first round of CAF Champions League.

At the same, Gor are in negotiations with Bandari who want their forward Shaban Kenga back after his six months loan deal lapsed Wednesday.

“We are still in talks with Bandari to extend Kenga’s stay since the player has indicated he want to stay at Gor. But we know his club wants him back because they are struggling in the league,” the Secretary General added.

Gor bought the last season’s Player of the Year runners-up on a Sh200, 000 agreement.

Other players whose contracts have expired include midfielders Rama Salim and Eric Ochieng, with Omondi refuting claims that the former Congo United player has been linked to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

“We have not received any official communication from any club that wants the signature of Rama. The issue of Simba approaching him are just rumours.”

“I want to appeal to our supporters to continue supporting the club financially since we are still in the process of acquiring a sponsor,” he concluded.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4 – Jesse Were came on from the bench to score the winning goal that sent defending champions Tusker FC to the KPL Top 8 final after eliminating league champions Gor Mahia 2-1 on aggregate on Wednesday.

The brewers came from a goal down to hold K’Ogalo 1-1 through Were who netted the equaliser in the 54th minute after Rama Salim gave Gor the lead and hope of crawling back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg after three minutes at Nairobi’s City Stadium.

The win saw Francis Kimanzi charges repeat last season’s performance of dumping Gor out at the same stage of the competition.

Williamson who missed the first leg after he was bereaved, made three changes to the squad from the first leg starting with Israel Emuge in defence, Shaban Kenga and Timonah Wanyonyi for Harun Shakava, Kevin Omondi and Eric Ochieng.

On the other side, Kimanzi kept faith in his winning squad from Meru, making no change.

The hosts showed intent from kick-off forcing Harambee Stars defender Jockins Atudo to clear danger in the opening exchanges, denying Wanyonyi a open chance on goal.

The Brewers could not sustain to the pressure and they were punished in the third minute through Salim who half volleyed home Godfrey Walusimbi’s cross for his second Top 8 goal.

Midfielder Anthony Akumu who was playing his last match for K’Ogalo after securing a six-month loan move to Khartoum National FC could have exited in style but keeper Samuel Odhiambo rescued his long range shot.

The hosts had a chance to double in the 19th, when Salim combined with talisman Dan Sserunkuma but the latter could not find the back of the net as Odhiambo reacted swiftly to clear the danger with his left foot.

The visitors’ lone chance in the first half came in the 23rd after a poor clearance from Emuge as Brian Osumba pounced on the ball only to be denied by the woodwork.

Geoffrey Kizito could have send Gor 2-0 up at the break but the Uganda Cranes midfielder failed to take advantage of Stars left back Aboud Omar’s poor clearance on the stroke of half time to blaze over the bar.

Kimanzi charges resumed seeking for the away goal and it was Gor who attacked first in the 50th through Sserunkuma who brought in a cross from the right that went begging in front of Tusker’s goal with no one to tap home.

Four minutes later, the former Harambee stars tactician introduced Jesse Were for Andrew Tololwa and his first touch turned things round when he fired home the equaliser from Clifford Alwanga’s pass.

In the 56th, Were could have notched his brace after Alwanga set him through, going on to beat keeper Jerim Onyango but Musa Mohammed cleared off the line.

Williamson did a double substitution, bringing on George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo and Herbert Kopany for Wanyonyi and Sserunkuma but the two failed to inspire the comeback.

Osborn Monday saw his shot from an acute angle saved by Onyango in the 83rd as Brewers held on to qualify for the finals.

Tusker will face either AFC Leopards or KCB who play their return leg semi-finals with the Bankers enjoying the away goal advantage after the first leg ended 1-1.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4 – A heart breaking late winner saw gallant AFC Leopard’s brave Cecafa Nile Basin Cup run fall at the final hurdle when they were edged 1-2 by Ugandan outfit, Victoria University Wednesday night in Khartoum in a tense encounter.

Both teams came with imposing records in their run to the decider, with the first victor’s of the regional second tier club showpiece having not conceded whilst Leopards were yet to lose.

Victoria took the lead in the 28th through Matthew Odongo in the 28th minute before Nigerian import Austin Ikenna levelled the scores on the stroke of half-time.

With the match destined to extra time, Mutyaba Muzamiru struck a cruel winner for Leopards when he left fly a delightful free-kick in the 88th that nestled at the back of the net to settle the contest against the more fancied Kenyans to bag the USD 30,000 (Sh2.6m) top prize as the losing finalists took home USD20,000 (Sh1.75).

Leopards head coach Hendrik Pieter De Jongh started with midfielder Charles Okwemba and Ikenna in place of winger Noah Wafula and Bernard Mang’oli who were sent off in the semi-final, with stand in captain Paul Were retained up front.

The Students could have opened the scoring after eight minutes with a header that went inches over the cross bar.
With Leopards trying to settle in the game, midfielder Jackson Kibirige was instrumental for Victoria with his passes that saw their forwards make runs in the wings, managing to break through Ingwe’s back four for Odongo to break the deadlock.

Keeper Patrick Matasi had to rescue his charges on several occasions with their chance coming close in the 42nd through Ikenna but the Nigerian saw his open header go wide from Were’s corner.

His efforts effort was paid moments later when he fired home in the first minute of added time as both sides shared the spoils at the breather.

Defender Abdalla Juma could have doubled the lead for Leopards with quarter an hour left to the final whistle when he made a good run in the left, but was denied by the keeper who punched his shot for a fruitless corner.

The game seemed to head to extra time after both sides held on but Ingwe conceded the second goal in the 88th from a well taken free-kick at the edge of the box by Muzamiru to beat Matasi to seal the victory.

Leopards returned home Thursday morning to a raining capital Nairobi as they prepare to face their archenemies, Gor Mahia on Sunday in an explosive Kenyan Premier League derby, hardly the kind of fixture they desired to lick their wounds.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 5- The returns of former African champion, Haron Keitany, 2007 All Africa Games gold medallist, Willy Komen and the 2010 African bronze winner, Jackson Kivuva, to competition highlighted Day 1 of the Kenya Championships in alternating dry and wet conditions in Thursday.

Keitany, the African champion in 2008 and 3:30.20 personal best runner fizzled out of action after injuring his tendons at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin but returned Thursday to win his heat in the men 1500m, beating Bahamas World Relays runner, Nixon Chepseba to the honours.

Women’s world 1,500m bronze medallist Hellen Obiri, world 5,000m bronze medallist Isaiah Kiplang’at and World Indoor champion Caleb Mwangangi staged brilliant performances to take their heats.

Olympic 800m bronze medallist Timothy Kitum, Boniface Mweresa and Alphas
Kishoyian launched their campaigns as the battle for the Glasgow Commonwealth and Africa Championships in Marrakech got off in earnest.

Keitany, better known as ‘Landcruiser’ for his powerful running after the off road Toyota model of the same name promised to give the favourites who include World champion, Asbel Kiprop and Silas Kiplagat who competed in Rome a tough test in Saturday’s finals.

“I have suffered from the nagging injury for long and some psychological stress. But I can confirm to you that if anyone had bewitched me and, maybe, planted some demons near my house, then my results this season will pluck them off,” Keitany.

Komen, the man who beat Olympics and World Champion, Ezekiel Kemboi to the Pan African Games crown finished third in his men 3000m steeple heat behind the 2009 World Youth Champion, Hillary Rotich and Kenya Prisons runner,

In the same heat, Worlds silver winner, Conseslus Kipruto, showed up in Kenya Police colours for his first race of the season but was ruled out of contention for the final when he finished seventh.

Kivuva returned in the men 800m after a period out due to injury and Kenya Defence Force commitments to append his name in the semi finals alongside Olympics bronze winner, Timothy Kitum and Ferguson Rotich who won gold in the 4x800m at the Bahamas World Relays.

In the women 1500m heats, Hellen Obiri was untouchable, winning her preliminary at a counter following her America all comers record at the Eugene Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon last weekend.

Action rolls on to Friday with the loaded 10,000m the focus in the event that was televised live for the first time ever by terrestrial pay television channel, SuperSport.

*Official times were not compiled by the time of going to press

ROME, Italy, June 6 – World champion, Eunice Sum and Commonwealth winner, Silas Kiplagat, were among the big winners at the Rome Golden Gala Thursday night, the fourth 2014 IAAF Diamond League meet of the season.

Kiplagat and Djibouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman battled for supremacy over the mile in Eugene on Saturday, with the latter winning in a superb national record of 3:47.32 to the Kenyan’s personal best of 3:47.88.

But five days later, in the Italian capital over the slightly shorter 1500m, the tables were turned as Kiplagat pulled away in the final 50 metres to win in 3:30.44 with Djibouti’s world indoor champion second this time in 3:31.89.

World champion Asbel Kiprop was more of a factor in this race than he had been in the Eugene mile and the Kenyan tried to challenge off the last bend but had no answer to the acceleration of the two men in front of him and came home third in 3:31.89.

Another Kenyan winner came, fairly predictably, in the 3000m steeplechase but wasn’t predictable was the man who crossed the line first, and on this occasion it was Jairus Birech.

Running away from the rest of the field with just over laps to go and with a 40-metre lead at the bell, Birech finished in 8:06.20 for the third-fastest time of his career.

He beat a host of better-known fellow Kenyans, including Paul Kipsiele Koech, who was second in 8:10.53 and former Olympics and World champion, Brimin Kipruto who was third.

In the women 800m, Sum executed a tactically perfect 800m and was in pole position with 120 metres to go and had enough speed in her legs to keep her rivals at bay, winning in 1:59.49.

Behind her, the Cuban teenage talent Sahily Diago showed good maturity in only her second European meeting – the first being the 2011 IAAF World Youth Championships – and held off plenty of more experienced runners to finish second in 2:00.01.

Having clocked a world-leading 1:57.74 on home soil in Havana just two weeks ago, the 18-year-old Diago could be one of the potential stars of the forthcoming IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene next month.

Elsewhere, American Justin Gatlin outclassed the men’s 100-metre field at the as Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim continued to soar by beating Ukrainian world champion Bohdan Bondarenko in the men’s high jump.

Gatlin, who served a four-year drugs ban from 2006 to 2010, clocked a winning time of 9.91secs to finish comfortably ahead of Jamaica’s Nesta Carter, while Britain’s Adam Gemili was third.

It was a repeat of last year’s success for Gatlin, who in 2013 edged Usain Bolt on the line to beat the Jamaican for the first time.
Barshim, meanwhile, had the sparse crowd at the Olympic Stadium on their feet with a string of strong performances before triumphing with a new personal best of 2.41m.

In doing so the 22-year-old — who took bronze at the London Olympics in 2012 and won silver at last year’s world championships in Moscow — matched the year’s best height set by Olympic champion Ivan Ukhov of Russia in Doha.

-IAAF and AFP

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7- Whenever the term ‘Mashemeji Derby’ is mentioned, every football activity in the country is forgotten and attention shifts to the biggest game in the land as both fans cross their fingers to see who walks away with the bragging rights.

This is a match that cares less about league standing and form, it’s all about pride.

The situation will be no different when champions Gor Mahia host arch rivals AFC Leopards on Sunday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium with SuperSport broadcasting the match live from 3pm GMT +3 local time.

Both fans spent the better part of the week mocking each other on social media in readiness for the big day, but for some of K’Ogalo fans, this is the right time to make a kill from the gate collection considering they are struggling financially after the departure of title sponsor Brookside Dairies through their brand Tuzo.

Here are some choice comments from Gor’s official Face Book page.

BILL OUDIA: Sunday is big, big not because it’s a derby but big coz its harvest time a time to harvest big in gate collection and sort out pending monies owed to the players in salaries and allowances, I hope for not less than Sh4.5m

OWILI MOSES MADORO: OPERATION JAZA STADI Sunday lazima Nyayo ijae to give support to our boys. Bring a brother, sister, friend, workmate, neighbor and we will appreciate.

WYCLIFF DANNAH OPIYO: have nothing to fear about this derby because am sure we gonna beat Ingwe pants down.
MICHAEL NJOROGE WASONGA: By the way, si hii derby Gor ndio iko home? Hii kitu ingewekwa 1000 VIP na 500 terraces, si miluya inasema wametoka besheni na mang’ondo? Tuone kama wangelipa, coz sisi pesa ‘en otas! money is like paper to us) Mtatambua wenye pesa ni kina nani senji!

DAUGHTY ATIENO: Derby TUNAYO? HATUNA? Ok. I want to assume the fixture remains intact and that come Sunday we will all converge at Nyayo Stadium to cheer our beloved team as it has been our tradition.

Just an evaluation, this season (1st leg) has been one clobbered with many challenges; lack of sponsors, KRA issues, financial meltdown, injuries and sicknesses among the playing unit and technical bench and sadly death of fans. Yet we have maneuvered and sailed through. Isn’t it just worthy to thank God and seek His guidance?

St. Stephen Cathedral Jogoo Rd invites us for a Mashemeji (Gor Mahia / AFC) Prayer Service this Sunday from 9am to 11am. Those who have attended our prayer services will attest of how this church is devoted in the sports ministry and has been a fortress to our club.

You are all invited!

FOOTBALL BEYOND THE STADIUM!!!

For Leopards who enter the match motivated after reaching the final of the inaugural Cecafa Nile Basin Cup in Sudan, their supporters were not left behind as this is what they had to say in retaliation

SAMUEL SHAKA: Operation operation jaza stady!! Nyayo!! kukaa, koko/kukhu, papaa, mamaa, Avanaa, papaa nakhufialaa, mama nakhufiala, khotsaa, senge, mukhwasiii/mulamwaa nende avalina vosi!! ambe kwa wingi but don’t 4get an umbrella/mwavuli!!….A.F.C LEOPARDS, Ours forever……(Operation fill the stadium, grandfather/mother, father, mother, children, father and mother in-law, Uncle, Untie, in-laws and all friends come out in large numbers).

CAXTON COLOMBUS AGALA: We are both requested to assemble at Kencom as from 11.am for a grand march to Nyayo as we face Pay bill fc on Sunday. Isukuti and Gadaa will be at hand to entertain you. NO DIALOGUE‪ with Ko’PAYBILL FC.
The mockery aside, whenever the two sides meet most of the times hooliganism carry the order of the day despite the outcome and with a day to go, some of the fans have come up with a slogan “Utamu wa derby ni teargas” while others condemning the act by saying “Football is a game, and hooliganism is a shame”.

Whatever the result we hope both sides maintain peace and leave by their name ‘Mashemeji’ which means in-laws.

The outlook

The two sides have contrasting fortunes in the league this season, with K’Ogalo enjoying a good run while their bitter opponents are struggling in the league.

But whenever they lock horns the form doesn’t count since it’s all about who is still the giant in the Kenyan football.

Surprisingly for the last five seasons, none of them has won both legs and it’s yet to be seen which side will break that history.

For K’Ogalo, they will not only be looking to extend their lead at the summit but also pick a seventh consecutive win in the league.

With the Green Army rallying behind team despite their off the field problems ranging from financial constraints, Fifa ban for forward Patrick Oboya to players contracts expiring, Gor will hope to bounce back from their 2-1 aggregate loss to Tusker FC who bundled them out of the Top 8.

“It’s a derby and it’s not going to be easy and for me I will enter the match with the notion that there is no small team in the league. We are prepared and since we are the home team we have to satisfy our fans who never disappoint us.

“We had little time to prepare since six of our key players were engaged with their national teams but all in all we will give our best and hope to keep our title defence journey on course,” the Scotsman told Capital Sport after conducting their Friday’s training.

Midfielder Innocent Mutiso and defender Solomon Nasio are still sidelined with injuries but other players will be available for selection as talisman and their top scorer Dan Sserunkuma and Rama Salim whose contract has elapsed are expected to partner upfront.

In the Ingwe camp, they have a new coach in the name of Pieter De Jongh, who had two weeks in Sudan to sample the team.

The real test for the Dutchman will be on Sunday which will be his first competitive match in the league but De Jongh believes a win will inspire his side to erase the disappointment of losing the Nile Basin Cup final.

“It’s a big game and we are prepared, although we have not had a good run in the league but I believe a win against a Gor will inspire my boys to start winning.

“It’s a derby so we are not expecting an easy match, if my players stay focus and work hard, we will pick the maximum points,” De Jongh stated.

Leopards will miss the services of Harambee Stars forward Allan Wanga who sealed a one year deal with Sudan side Al-Mereikh.

This means winger Paul Were, Noah Wafula and Michael Khamati are expected to step up and fill the void when they meet Gor’s mean defense consisting of Stars’ defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, Ugandan Godfrey Walusimbi, Musa Mohammed and Harun Shakava who have seen the side concede nine goals in 13 matches.

The last time the two sides meet saw Ingwe give away the win, after K’Ogalo came two goals down to level the scores in the second half as the match ended to a 2-2 draw.

As both fans prepare to converge at different joints, whatever the outcome, hooliganism is a shame and may the best team win.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7- Olympic champion, David Rudisha and Ezekiel Kemboi will spearhead the Kenyan joined team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and subsequent Marrakech Africa Athletics Championships following the conclusion of the selection event in Nairobi on Saturday.

World champions, Milcah Chemos and Eunice Sum will join Commonwealth titleholders, Mark Mutai (men 400m) and John Ekiru Kilai (marathon men), in the squad that aiming to beat their Club Games record at the last edition in Delhi where the athletics team won 11 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze to scoop the top honours.

Among other luminaries in the squad include the red hot Moscow medallists, Mercy Cherono, Hellen Obiri and Lydia Chepkirui, former Commonwealth titleholder, Janeth Jepkosgei, two-time World junior champion, Faith Chepn’getich and 2012 World Half gold winner, Florence Kiplagat.

World record holder, Rudisha, Kemboi and Chemos were given wildcard tickets to both events after skipping the three-day meet with world junior record holder, Isaiah Kiplangat Koech and Chepkirui also benefiting from outside selection despite being humbled at the Trials.

Such favour did not fall on 2008 Olympics champion and two-time Worlds winner, Asbel Kiprop after he pulled out of the men 1500m decider at the bell despite being in pole position to challenge to a place, coming 48 hours after he dropped to third in Rome.

“My body was tired and after the bell, I felt a slight strain in my left calf and decided not to risk further damage. I’m disappointed at not getting the chance to run for my country but there are other challenges ahead,” the lanky 24 year-old said.

The distance running powerhouse will also cast her net wider in the field events with Olympics finalist and Worlds fourth placed men Javelin star, Julius Yego and local women Hammer sensation, Linda Oseso, also making the squad.

Athletics Kenya (AK) vice-president in charge of competition, David Okeyo, said the squad was not final with further changes to be made before the team reports for camp.

“We raised the bar in Delhi and we want to defend our position and we had to select the best team. Besides the Trials, our selectors also considered those athletes who were not here and made the decision to have them in the team based on their form,” he added.

The fate of men 1500m Delhi gold medallist and 2011 Worlds silver winner, Silas Kiplagat, hangs in the balance after he was omitted from the squad despite completing an accomplished 3:30.45 victory in Rome on Thursday.

Most of the sprinters who shone in Bahamas including Walter Moenga, Tony Chirchir, Boniface Mucheru and Carvin Nkanata who set a national 2x200m record at the inaugural World Relays were also penned in the squad but the former was granted outside selection.

Evergreen Race walking national champions, Grace Wanjiru, the Commonwealth bronze winner and David Kimutai, who at 43 is the eldest campaigner in the squad and finished fourth in Delhi also made the grade.

The National Olympics Committee-Kenya and their AK counterparts will discuss on the training programme for the squad before the team reports to camp.

Athletes will be given the choice to run either in Glasgow or Marrakech with the added option of running both as top Kenyan stars target slots in Africa’s team for the IAAF Intercontinental Cup that will run in the same Moroccan city a week after the continental showdown.

PRELIMINARY SQUAD

Men

100m: Walter Moenga, Tony Chirchir, Carl Lewis; 200m: Walter Moenga, Carvin Nkanata, Tony Chirchir, Stephen Barasa; 400m: Mark Mutai, Boniface Mucheru, Solomon Buoga; 800m: David Rudisha, Ferguson Rotich, Evans Kipkorir, Nicholas Kiplagat; 1500m: Ronald Kiplemboi, Elijah Menangoi, James Magut; 5000m: Joseph Kitur, Caleb Mwangangi, Isaiah Kiplagat Koech; 10000m: Josphat Bett, Peter Kirui, Charles Cheruiyot; Marathon: John Ekiru Kelai, Eric Ndiema, Stephen Chemlany; 3000mS: Ezekiel Kemboi, Jairus Birech, Jonathan Ndiku; 400mH: Boniface Mucheru, Nicholas Bett; Javelin: Julius Yego, Alex Kiprotich, Sammy Keskeny; Long jump: Tera Langat, Elijah Kimitei, Kiplangat Ruto; High jump: Matthew Sawe; 20Km Race walking: David Kimutai, Samuel Ireri, Sylvanus Wekesa

Women

100m: Millicent Ndoro, Safina Mukoswa; 200m: Maureen Thomas, Millicent Ndoro; 400m: Maureen Jelagat, Jecinta Shikanda; 800m: Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei, Agatha Jeruto; 1500m: Hellen Obiri, Faith Chepng’etich, Sheila Chepleting; 5000m: Mercy Cherono, Janet Kisa, Margaret Wangari; 10000m: Florence Kiplagat, Joyce Chepkirui, Emily Chebet; Marathon: Phylis Ongori, Philomena Cheyech, Agnes Jeruto Barsosio; Long jump: Gladys Musyoki; Hammer: Linda Oseso, Lucy Omondi; 20Km Race walking: Grace Wanjiru, Emily Ngii, Susan Jepng’etich

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 8 – AFC Leopards came a goal down to beat arch rivals and league champions Gor Mahia 3-1 to grab ‘Mashemeji Derby’ bragging rights in an high octane game at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday that was devoid of chaos that have rocked previous encounters.

Unlike most occasions when the two domestic giants meet, the encounter witnessed no violence as the crestfallen losing Green Army peacefully joined their Ingwe ‘in-laws’ rivals to depart together from the stadium.

Timonah Wanyonyi opened the scoring for the hosts in the 24th before Jacob Keli levelled in the 35th as both sides shared the spoils at the break.

Charlse Okwemba extended the lead in the 60th before midfielder Bernard Mang’oli sealed the win 14 minutes later.
“I feel great after getting three points and beside we played good football than our opponents, the boys were mentally good and their concentration was on top.

“They scored the first goal and I saw where the mistakes and rectified immediately and that’s how we equalised and added the two goals.

“We emulated what we did in Sudan where we had a good run and considering it was a derby and my first league win I’m very impressed. We now focus on our next game in the top 8 against KCB then take one match at a time,” Leopards head coach Pieter De Jongh said after his Kenyan Premier League debut ended in victory in the biggest fixture in the land.

Deflated Gor coach Bobby Williamson offered, “We played well in the first half but we failed to make good use our chances, they got theirs and they made maximum use of it.

“I was disappointed with the second goal where we could have defended better so we are going to work on our defence which was not at its best in the second half.”

K’Ogalo who had gone six league matches unbeaten entered the match wounded after Tusker bundled them out of the Top 8 with Williamson making two changes bringing on Erick Ochieng for Anthony Akumu while George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo started for Kevin Omondi.

Playing at home in the presence of their supporters, Gor were strong in the first 20 minutes with Ugandan Israel Emuge heading Godfrey Walusimbi’s free-kick direct to keeper Wycliffe Kasaya after only six minutes of play.
Talisman Dan Sserunkuma combined well with Rama Salim and Wanyonyi but the Uganda Cranes forward saw his effort go directly to Kasaya’s arms.

On the other end Mang’oli could have broke the deadlock in the 16th after he beat three defenders but blasted wide in front of the goal.

Three minutes later captain Martin Imbalambala saw his indirect cracker spilled by keeper Jerim Onyango in the box with Keli bringing in a cross but Austin Ikenna missed the golden chance heading wide.

The first goal of the game finally came in the 24th when Sserunkuma had a good run from the left to cut in for Wanyonyi who had his sweet time to control the ball and half volleyed home for the opener.

The visitors could have levelled three minutes later when Keli brought in a cross from the left only for Ikenna to miss the header.

Last season’s KPL player of the year, Keli finally revived Ingwe fans when he fired the ball between Onyango’s legs from Okwemba’s through pass to level the scores.

K’Ogalo thought they were due a penalty when Odhiambo was hacked in the box but referee Rafael Nduati waved play on.
Wanyonyi and Walusimbi found no joy in set piece deliveries as Salim came close after receiving the ball from the latter only to see his effort hit the side netting as both sides shared the spoils at the break.

Leopards resumed a better side with Okwemba threatening through a long range shot that was rescued by Onyango .
Wanyonyi had a chance to put his side ahead after breaking through from the right but the attacking midfielder hurriedly took his shot that went wide as Gor was seeking relieve pressure.

At the hour mark Okwemba sneaked in a header past Onyango from an Abdalla Juma free-kick for the nsecond goal that saw only Ingwe chants being sang in the stadium.

Willamson brought on Kevin Omondi for Odhiambo in the 70th but it only took four minutes for Leopards to dim Gor’s hopes of a comeback when Mang’oli fired home for the third.

The Dutchman pulled out the Mang’oli for winger Paul Were while K’Ogalo introduced Herbert Kompany for Salim.
Gor had their last chance come in with three minutes to the final whistle through substitute Omondi who had a solo effort only for Kasaya to deny him as they held on to grab maximum points.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 9 – Are AFC Leopards back on track after securing a 3-1 win over arch rivals and champions Gor Mahia in the KPL’s ‘Mashemeji’ Derby first leg? This is definitely the big question every football enthusiast is asking.

Captain Martin Imbalambala and midfielder Charles Okwemba, sent a warning to clubs that had ruled them out of the contention.

“We knew how important this match was to us, so all we could do is to win. We are not comfortable in our current position in the league since we don’t belong there but I believe the win against Gor will enable us go back to where we belong,” the lanky defender told Capital Sport.

“I assure our fans to be calm since good results are on the way and I urge my colleagues not to be carried away by this win since we have an unfinished mission ahead of us.

“This win will boost us to perform better in our next matches since we had a good bonding in Sudan so for those who were ruling us out, watch out the space,” Okwemba who was named the man of the match after providing scoring one and providing the assist for the other two goals declared.

The result benefited Tusker FC who cut Gor’s lead at the summit to two points after they overcame Mathare United 3-0 at their Kinoru Stadium back yard in Meru County, despite finishing with 10 men after captain and custodian Samuel Odhiambo was sent off in the 19th minute.

At Nairobi’s City Stadium, 2009 champions Sofapaka dimmed struggling KCB by a solitary goal that was netted by veteran John Baraza to propel Batoto Ba Mungu to fourth on 24 points.

All eyes were focused at the Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium where K’Ogalo were the hosts and for the first time after a long period, the Derby ended peacefully unlike other occasions where the clash is marred by violence.

Fans from both sides started converging at different joints in the Central Business District as early as 10am chanting songs in support of their teams as the derby fever swept through Nairobi.

At the stadium, both sets of supporters dutifully settled at their designated places ready for the kick –off and waiting to see who will walk away with the bragging rights.

Struggling Leopards entered the match motivated form the Cecafa Nile Basin Cup where they were losing finalists in Sudan, while for Gor they were seeking to bounce back from losing 2-1 on aggregate to Tusker as their interest in the KPL Top 8 ended at the semis.

The high paced encounter saw the hosts dominate the first 25 minutes with youngster and attacking midfielder Timonah Wanyonyi scoring his first derby goal but they failed to hold on for the win as Leopards outclassed them in the second half.

K’Ogalo felt the absence of holding midfielder Anthony Akumu who signed a six month on loan deal with Sudanese League side Khartoum National FC and winger Shaban Kenga who went back to his Bandari club after completing six months spell at the champions.

This saw veteran midfielder Okwemba and Bernard Mang’oli dominated the midfield especially in the second half where Gor were chasing shadows with Eric Ochieng’ and Wanyonyi failing to catch up with the pace.

Starting with Harun Shakava on the bench for Ugandan Israel Emuge, Gor’s defence was not up to the task as dependable and Stars defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino failed to impose himself.

“I was disappointed by the second goal which should have been defended a lot better so we need to work on the entire defence since we never looked steady especially in the second half.

“Godfrey Walusimbi was overlapping but was not quick to recover and that surely cost us. We will look who is available in this transfer window to strengthen our squad but I’m not going to bring someone for the sake,” Gor head coach Bobby Williamson told.

For Ingwe they seem to have found the solution to their problems through new coach Pieter De Jongh, who came in with new strategy changing the format of play.

He tasted waters in Sudan and according to him he has established a strong starting side. The Dutchman played Joseph Shikokoti in the midfield switching position with Imbalambala who went to the defence.

The combination of Austin Ikenna and Jacob Keli upfront with Okwemba pulling strings behind them in a monster performance undid the champions with the Nigerian import missing a couple of chances that could have put Ingwe three goals up at the break.

Surprisingly De Jongh started with winger Paul Were on the bench and this was on discipline grounds according to the coach.

“When I observed the team in the first two days I joined, step by step I came up with rules since I like discipline in and out the field and that’s why Were started on the bench because he came 20 minutes late for training,” the Dutchman said.

Stars forward Allan Wanga who recently signed with Sudanese side Al Merreikh was not missed in this clash as Leopards clawed through Keli, Ikeena and Okwemba with winger Noah Wafula unused on the bench.

This was the first time leopards beat Gor after three years and for Williamson, he is yet to grab his first ‘Mashemeji’ Derby win since he was appointed mid last season.

Will Ingwe continue with the good form? It will be known when they face KCB in the return leg of KPL Top 8 on Wednesday before inviting Bandari on Sunday in a league match.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 11 – A showdown looms between GOtv champions AFC Leopards and KPL over staging Sunday’s Top 8 final to Meru’s Kinoru Stadium.

Leopards have declared on Wednesday they will not travel to Meru for the decider if they sail to the final hours before facing KCB in the return leg of their last-four at Nairobi’s Nyayo national Stadium.

On their part, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) maintains the final will be held at Kinoru since they retain the authority to select venues as all participating clubs in the knock-out tournament are aware.

CEO, Jack Oguda, remained firm the venue will not change despite Leopards raising concerns.

“The tournament rules are very clear that it’s upon us the tournament organizers to decide on the venues of the matches and that’s why some of the matches were played in Nakuru, Machakos and recently Meru.

“This year, our intention was to spread the game to the grassroots by holding some of the matches in the counties. In this case, the County Government of Meru has agreed to sponsor the final so we are not changing the venue,” the KPL chief held.

Oguda, told Capital Sport, KCB will contest for the trophy against Tusker should Leopards fail to honour the match should they progress.

Ingwe feel Kinoru will give home ground advantage to Tusker and this negates the spirit of fair play that suggests such games should be held on neutral ground.

“Leopards are not a village team; they should respect us and since I’m confident we are going to defeat KCB, KPL should be ready to change the venue since we are not going to play in Meru.

“They should consider taking the match to another venue but not Kinoru,” Leopards Secretary General, George Aladwa stormed when contacted over the matter.

The Bankers enter the clash with an away goal advantage after holding Ingwe to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Two seasons ago, Leopards forfeited their Top 8 match to arch-rivals Gor Mahia on security grounds as attempts to field a second string side were resisted by organisers.

At the time, a league encounter that preceded the game between the pair ended in a number of Ingwe fans injured and property destroyed.

Since making the switch to Kinoru from Nairobi’s Ruaraka Grounds, Tusker has not lost any match in three against, KRA, league champions Gor Mahia and Mathare United.

NAIROBI, Kenya June 12 – President Uhuru Kenyatta, will sponsor the entire Harambee Stars squd and technical bench to Brazil to watch the World Cup.

The Head of State who will cater for their return tickets, accommodation and match tickets will meet the team on Friday at State House to officially hand them the sponsorship before they depart over the weekend.

This comes six months down the line after Kenyatta agreed to foot the head coach, Adel Amrouche’s salary for the next five years.

Kenya has never qualified for the World Cup and the trip will give Stars exposure as they seek to qualify for the 2015 Africa Nations Cup after sailing to the second round where they will play Lesotho on the weekend of July 18 and 20.

The winner over the two legs will join 2013 Afcon finalist Burkina Faso, Angola and Gabon in Group C for the final qualifiers.

The month long tournament kicked-off Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, with hosts Brazil taking on Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo with the finals set for July 13.

Africa is represented in the global showpiece by Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria.

SALVADOR, June 13- Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben tore Spain apart in a stunning 5-1 dismantling of the defending champions in Salvador on Friday that sent shockwaves through the World Cup.

It was revenge for the Dutch who lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in Johannesburg four years ago.

The last time the reigning champions lost their opening match, France were humbled by Senegal in 2002, but never before had a title-holder been so comprehensively thrashed.

Manchester United forward Van Persie scored twice, including a brilliant lobbed, headed opener, set up another and cracked a stunning strike against the bar in a man-of-the-match performance from the Dutch captain.

Robben went some way to making up for spurning two glorious chances in the final in South Africa by punishing Spain with his speed and scoring a brace of his own.

Stefan de Vrij was another to get his name on the scoresheet after Xabi Alonso had opened the scoring for Spain, who suffered their worst defeat in more than half a century, with a highly contentious penalty after Diego Costa had slumped to the ground in the box despite no contact appearing to be made by De Vrij.