JMJ Academy from Nairobi
Copa Coca-cola under 15 championships began Monday morning in Nairobi Kenya in a fully packed World Hope Center at Kawangware.
Reigning national champions, JMJ Academy did not appease the hundreds of home fans who turned out to cheer them as they began their title defence in a hapless manner in the morning by being frustrated to a 1-1 draw by Central region’s outfit Angaza Youth
The boys from Nairobi playing at their home turf lived up to their pre-match billing as favorites and did all, but score a goal in the opening half as the two teams went for the breather on level terms.
The second half assumed the same shape with JMJ attacking and Angaza content with clearing their lines.
JMJ’s Academy Ken Patrick (right) tussles for the ball with Brian Mbaya of Angaza Youth
However, 7 minutes into the second half, the defending champions got the breakthrough through when Mark Ochieng planted the ball home after a goalmouth melee that involved Angaza keeper Jeremiah Maina who spilled the ball.
Simpson Bryan almost doubled JMJ’s lead with a 30-yard wicked sizzler, but Maina between the posts was equal to the task palming the ball to safety.
Shaban Baraza’s side harangued their opponents with great abandon in the dying minutes, but could not find the second goal thanks in part to some wasteful finishing from their attackers and some excellent goalkeeping from Maina.
Angaza looked dangerous on the counter and they managed to get the equalizer in the 50th minute through Victor Kamau as JMJ failed to muster any meaningful effort for the rest of the game leaving the Group ‘B’ opener to end in a 1-1 stalemate.
Elsewhere , another breathtaking match saw Last year’s beaten finalists, Kisumu Lakers began their campaign seamlessly beating Tharaka Young Stars 2-0.
Shavin Gunter opened his and Kisumu’s account in the first half gliding past Tharaka’s backline before slotting home and finally Collins Omondi’s second half volley from Gunter’s corner secured maximum points for Lakers as they took charge of Pool ‘A’.
Beijing Raiders
In the ladies’ matches, Nairobi’s Beijing Raiders raided Cherangany Starlets’ final third but could not beat the Rift sides’ custodian Nancy Chebet who almost single handedly ensured the game ended on a 0-0 draw.
Janet Nalisi missed a sitter for Shinyalu Girls but atoned for that almost immediately; as she scored the lone goal that secured her side a 1-0 win over Nairobi’s Kibra Queens.
Tuesday morning will see Coast region’s hopefuls Tana Boys against Murhanda Boys from western Kenya while Tharaka will try to bounce back with a match against Kitale Youth as Kisumu Lakers will be favorites to bag another three points when they take on Young Muslims.
In the girls’ matches, Mombasa Starlets will take on Kirindara Starlets, Shinyalu will clash with Cherangany Starlets before putting the icing on the cake with the Nairobi County derby pitting Beijing Girls against Kibra Queens.
Copa coca cola organizers at the event have promised a week full action bringing kawangware residents and other Nairobians to a standstill at the hope center, home of Kenya premier league side, relegation bound Nairobi city stars as fans fill the small stadium leaving the security men to work over time.
Author:Shadrack Andenga Odinga