By Dalmar Gure, Nairobi (HOL) – Six nations from all over Africa came together Sunday to commemorate the 19th Independence of Eritrea by representing their respective countries in Africa’s favourite sporting pastime, Football.
In a sport revered by millions of Africans, it is no surprise that since its introduction to the continent football has embodied strong political elements. Since the waves of independence in Africa began, football and freedom have become synonymous; therefore, it is only fitting that Eritrea, the last African nation to gain independence, celebrate by hosting a football tournament.
One of the organizers of the tournament, Bellay Tekleab, said that he was happy to see such a great turnout and enthusiasm from both the players and spectators. “This is the first time we’re doing this (tournament) and we that this can become an annual event. Next year we hope to invite more teams and have more people come out and watch these kids play”
Players from Cameroon, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan participated in the round by round knockout tournament that was held at the Technical College in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
The first round saw Kenya be defeated by their Somali counterparts 2-1; a headline that has become all too familiar for both Kenyans and Somalis. Ethiopia barely edged past Cameron with a one – nil win. The third game of the first round saw Eritrea win a lop-sided victory over Sudan 3-0. The last scheduled game of the tournament was riddled with confusion as Eritrea Youth, a team that was taking the place of an India/Pakistan squad that failed to show up won by technicality as their opponents the Democratic Republic of Congo was also in absentia.
The Somalia team donning jerseys that read “Eastleigh Stars FC” continued their dominant play with a convincing 3-0 win over Eritrea; a win that would secure them a position in the finals. . Ethiopia and Eritrea Youth faced off for the other coveted position in the finals. Both teams displayed a balanced attack and even better defense. Eritrea Youth would emerge as the victor winning a nail biter 3-2.
The championship game pitted Somalia and Eritrea Youth against one another in a game that would ultimately come down to speed. To the surprise of the mostly Eritrean crowd, Somalia’s attack offense continued to bombard the Eritrean goalkeeper throughout the game. At the end of the first half, Somalia already had a commanding 3-0 lead. The second half saw much better defense by the Eritreans who conceded only a single goal. The final score was 4-0.
The Eritrean ambassador to Kenya, Dessale Berhane, one of the spectators of the tournament said that the day was not about winners or losers; but rather to share their special day with the rest of the countries. View more photos: http://www.hiiraan.com/images/2010/may/Eritrea_Day_Tournament/index.htm
