Kenya: Congo United’s Big Day

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Philip Mbaji

25 April 2011

UNDER-dogs Congo United floored giants AFC Leopards 1-0 to hand overjoyed Coastals an Easter Monday Kenya Premier League gift yesterday.

The Seasiders, who were successfully marshalled to victory by newly signed ex AFC Leopards coach Gilbert Selebwa, frustrated Ingwe throughout the game.

Congo captain Ramadhan Athuman scored for his team from the penalty spot after a foul in the 47th minute, causing the home fans to burst into song and dance at the packed Mbaraki Sports Club ground. Athuman was the picture of calmness as he drove the kick wide of Barnabas Tiema.

There was side-drama at the match as current Ingwe coach Robert Matano appeared not to want to share even a word with his predecessor at Leopards. The tension was transferred to the fans of both sides . The coaches failed to shake hands even after efforts by KPL sponsors Supersport to do that inside the grounds.

Congo’s captain Athuman attributed the Congo’s ever first victory to Selebwa saying he had brought discipline to the players. “We dedicate this match victory to new coach Selebwa for he has not only brought discipline to the team but also held long talks with all the players at a personal level to establish where our problems lay” he said.

And Selebwa, who admitted the match had been difficult or him personally because a part of him still loves Leopards, said he was determined to take his new charges to even more glory. “I will leave nothing to chance given the fact the management has given me the full mandate to re-organise the team. I want to cultivate a winning mentality at Congo United,” he said.

Selebwa, who declined to disclose names, said a number of players had been denied access to training for arriving at the camp late since he officially took over last Tuesday. “I am not going to mention names of the players I have sent away from training. They arrived late and that does not work with me. Anyway let the boys celebrate this victory,” Selebwa said..

The victory was hailed by Congo boss Fadhil Bayusuf who said Selebwa’s diplomatic approach towards handling issues was quickly bearing fruits. “This clearly shows that there was a problem previously because victory cannot come this fast. We hope this trend will continue,” he said.

But Ingwe coach Matano complained of biased officiating saying Leopards were denied a penalty in the first half. “There has been open bias in the officiating of this match that has favoured our opponents, how do we get a penalty only to be denied?” Matano wondered.

Matano also said the absence of key mid-fielders Koki Ibrahim, Kinje Salim, Mang’oli Benard and Joseph Okumu from the match cost the team.

But his captain, Nicholas Muyoti admitted they had missed many open chances in the match. “As I congratulate Congo for their victory, I must admit we failed to utilise our many chances. Had we taken them, the outcome would have been obvious,” Muyoti said. Among the players who missed chances for Leopards were John Amboko and Evans Wandera whose shots sailed above bar.

CONGO UNITED…………..1

AFC LEOPARDS…………..0

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