Kenya (5) v (3) South Africa
By Daniel Wood
PRIOR to their match up at Fed Square stadium on Wednesday afternoon, Kenya and South Africa shared equal first position in their Group rankings with 2 wins each. Kenya managed to trump a very determined, but ultimately unsuccessful, South African team, which should advance them to the top of their Group. The tight full-time score is testament to the high calibre of both these teams: 5-3 to Kenya.
A tremendous cross from South Africa almost produced an early goal but the receiving player failed to connect – his boot missing by mere millimetres. Kenya was the first to score with a straight shot by Njoroge. Njoroge continued to excel for the rest of the match with some dazzling ball skills that not only looked good but left the South African defence struggling to retake possession.
Njoroge scored Kenya's second as a close chip sent the ball into the underside of the crossbar before it bounced in.
South Africa's Mehlo brought his team into the game after a swiftly executed team play left him with the perfect opportunity to score, leaving the half time score 2-1 in Kenya's favour.
The second half opened with South Africa dominating possession but Njegu Kariuki demonstrated some seriously impressive defensive skills to keep South Africa's offence checked.
Kenya had numerous opportunities to score but South Africa's resolute goalkeeper, Nikoho, rarely faltered as he kept deflecting shots.
Kenya produced another goal after a lengthy battle with South Africa's stout defensive line, 3-1. Mehlo of South Africa managed some cracking shots but couldn't manage to find the target again.
South Africa scored again to send a very clear message – this was anyone's game. With the scores at 3-2, the star striker Njoroge scored again for Kenya, 4-2. But South Africa were quick to respond with a goal of their own to reduce the margin to one.
A late save by South Africa's keeper, Nikoho, kept his team in the game.
A stunning play, consisting of multiple passes across goal and resulting in a driving shot right past the keeper, sealed the match for Kenya in the dying seconds. Final score, 5-3.
Photos: Photoworx
