Captain Allan Wanga led by example netting a brace to power hosts Kenya to the 2013 edition of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Challenge Cup title.
Wanga scored in each half to sink Sudan 2-0 in the final held on Thursday (December 12) at the Nyayo National Stadium.
It was the first title for the Harambee Stars since 2002 and there was no better time than on the 50th anniversary of the attainment of Independence by the East African country.
The hosts defied all odds and exceeding expectations to achieve a befitting climax to the regional championship.
Wanga, who plays for local giants, AFC Leopards, scored the opener on 34 minutes by nodding in David Owino’s cross before sealing victory with a low shot on 69 minutes that again beat Sudan goalie Abdelrahman Ali.
The hosts cheered on by their faithfuls held on to secure the title thwarting the efforts of the Sudan attack leg by dangerman Ibrahim Salah.
It took Kenya 30-years to clinch the regional title on home-soil and an elated Wanga reveled for his part in the feat saying “I am so happy to score three goals in the tournament and lead Harambee Stars to victory.”
In the third-place game, Zambia beat Tanzania 6-5 on penalties to claim bronze after a 1-1 tie in normal time.
Confederation of African Football News
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