Kenya/Angola: Mariga’s Rocket of a Shot That Sent Fans Into a Frenzy

Allan Buluku

27 March 2011

Nairobi — When the Kenya and Inter Milan mid-fielder fired a thunderbolt in the 87th minute to spur Harambee Stars to victory against Angola last Saturday, the entire nation burst into a frenzy.

At the sold-out Nyayo National Stadium, politicians led by football-mad Prime Minister Raila Odinga celebrated with abandon at the VIP stand, while thousands of delirious fans danced in the stands. It was a moment of sheer magic.

As at the 86th minute, the nation was staring at yet another draw that would have put a serious dent on Stars 2012 African Nations Cup campaign before the mid-field marshal made a daring charge at the Antelopes with three minutes on the clock to make all the difference.

But in a matter of seconds, the joy of that screamer of a shot — the ecstatic feeling one gets after achieving the impossible, the sense of pride and emotion after a brilliant display in the national colours — turned tragic for Mariga. He removed his shirt in celebration, which is, unfortunately, a bookable offence.

The referee wasn’t amused; in fact, he cared less about the hero status of the player he was about to send to the dressing room. Neither did he care about the intimidating home crowd.

What the official didn’t know is that Mariga — a calm and God-fearing footballer always shy of controversy — wasn’t disregarding Fifa rules but simply praising this amazing God (the scriptures tell us he’s the King of Kings) for answering his prayers.

“God above everything” was the message the gifted mid-fielder was passing to his countrymen through his T-shirt; that screamer had a heavenly touch.

It was Kenya’s second greatest comeback in history after that of 1997 when Stars came from two goals down to beat Burkina Faso 4-3 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Who knew in this day and age, one could be persecuted for practising their faith? God help us. Now Mariga will miss the return leg in Luanda on June 4.

“I did a stupid thing after I scored that goal, but that doesn’t mean our team won’t do the needful in Angola. I am annoyed with that red card of course, but the referee wasn’t fair. My first yellow card wasn’t warranted. I just didn’t hear him blow the whistle,” Mariga said.

Stars captain Dennis Oliech paid glowing tribute to Mariga. “He has made the whole country proud and millions of fans are happy because of him. We will miss him (in the return leg). His goal was exceptional. It was very well taken and the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop it,” Oliech said.

A thrilled Stars coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno said: “This is a great day for me and I thank God. The players were definitely at their best and we deserved the win. I’m very happy for the boys because they kept pressing despite conceding in the early stages. I’m happy for the team and especially for Mariga.

“He has sacrificed for the team. It’s unfortunate that we shall miss him in the next away match against Angola. That red card has hit us below our belts. It came to the wrong player.”

The atmosphere at the stadium was electrifying. It was a game Kenya had to win to keep their Cup dream alive. From all walks of life, they came in their thousands to rally behind their team.

When the PM arrived half an hour before kick off, the crowd went wild. He acknowledged their cheering by waving his hat. The fans went even wilder as Stars players came onto the pitch. They cheered on from the first whistle but were heart-broken when Manucho scored in the 18th minute.

Sorrow was written all over their faces as the home players looked unsettled, and as the first half ended, Stars’ chances looked dim. They were treading on dangerous grounds. They needed inspiration from the top.

This came from none other than the nation’s Number One football fan — Raila Odinga. At the break, the PM visited the player’s dressing room and after the 15-minute pep talk, you could notice the change in their attitude and the show of commitment.

Jamal Mohammed’s equaliser in the 52nd minute elicited cheers of joy and a standing ovation. In the Angolan camp, where there were about 500 fans, the mood was subdued.

The home crowd-backed by isikuti beats continued piling pressure. You could smell some blood in the stadium. On the pitch, the players gallantly fought like soldiers in Caesar’s army. Almost everyone charged forward. And once they realised the Antelopes were cracking under pressure, Stars went for the kill.

They mounted waves of attacks. A nervy equilibrium had been reached by the 86th minute and the prey was waiting to be seized. A minute later, Angola — who were barely hanging on — eventually fell when Mariga fired a rocket of a shot to send the stadium into rapture.

AllAfrica – All the Time