A section of Tanzanians and Ugandans online had a field day following Kenya’s dispiriting loss to Senegal on November 18. Harambee Stars lost to Senegal 8-0. Kenyans were forced to watch as the national team, Harambee Stars, collected eight goals without a response from the AFCON 2021 champions. The game was an international friendly, but Senegal left nothing to chance, shredding a hapless Kenyan side in a slick performance in Turkey. Sadio Mane (3). Nicolas Jackson (2), El Hadj Malick Diouf, Chérif Ndiaye, and Ibrahima Mbaye were among the goals in the heavy win. It was a result that attracted sharp responses from Kenyans, questioning the preparedness of the national team with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil fast approaching.
On the flipside, Kenya’s neighbours revelled in the result, as the playful banter continued. Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya have always engaged in banter on many topics with the 8-0 demolition of Kenya, providing perfect fodder for the East African countries to ‘attack’. Masubi said, “Hawa Wakenya wajikite tu na mchezo wa kufukuza upepo na ule wa maandamano, mpira hawawezi.” Anthony Akumu in action for Harambee Stars against Senegal. Michael Mwebe said, “Jirani anapewa strokes za kutosha…wahuni wamemaliza pakti mbili kabla ya kipindi cha kwanza kumalizika.” Emmanuel, a Ugandan, incorporated recent sentiments from President Yoweri Museveni, threatening future wars with Kenya to ‘reclaim’ the Indian Ocean. “Surrender the ocean as well. You guys are just jokers.” Michael K said, “Just let them ask for Uganda cranes in March next year. You will see the real East African football.” Hallah Kispoti aid, “Mliingiza timu ya kikapu nini wakuu matokeo ya basketball kabisa haya.” To make it worse, both Uganda and Tanzania qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next month in Morocco, while Kenya didn’t. They are in the same group alongside Nigeria and Tunisia. FKF President apologises after Senegal hiding In a statement, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Hussen Mohamed, apologised for the loss, promising to keep working to deliver better results through better policies.
“Truth be told, today is a bad day in the office. The results from today’s games are a wake-up call to us. To play and compete against the best in the world requires deliberate investment in a serious and professional technical team and player development programs,” he said on social media. Michael Olunga shares cryptic post Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga shared a cryptic post shortly after the game against Senegal. Olunga was dropped by head coach Benni McCarthy for the November games to create room for younger players to get game time. Olunga and his predecessor Victor Wanyama have often been on the receiving end of criticism for their performances in the national team.
By Martin Moses
