Kenyan leader lauds soccer team for wining regional tourney

NAIROBI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday congratulated the national soccer team, Harambee Stars, for winning the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

The national soccer team emerged winners after they beat Zanzibar 3-2 on post-match penalties at the finals of the tournament for teams from east and central Africa at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, in eastern Kenya.

In a statement issued in Nairobi, Kenyatta commended the players and football officials for their teamwork, discipline, determination and vision that has yield success.

"On behalf of an adoring and grateful nation and my government, I congratulate our national team, Harambee Stars, for playing valiantly right from the preliminaries to the finals and emerging the CECAFA champions. You have done us proud," he said.

Harambee Stars started the match with Ovella Ochieng's seventh minute free kick beating Zanzibar keeper, Mohamed Abdurahman.

The lead seemed on course to seal the title before substitute Khamis Mussa slotted a low cross to level the score with three minutes left.

Masud Juma restored Kenya's lead eight minutes into extra time before Zanzibar hit back two minutes later through Khamis to send the game to penalties.

Kenyan goalkeeper saved three penalties, enabling the Stars to win the tournament on 3-2.

Kenyatta said Harambee Star's victory proved that with proper focus, commitment and organization, the country has the potential to become a soccer powerhouse in the region as well as in the continent.

He affirmed his commitment to supporting the development of sports as an avenue to nurture talents and empower the youth. Enditem