FULL TIME:
KENYA : 0
UGANDA: 0
After alot of hype, 9th October was the day marked on every Kenyan and Ugandan football fan. To every Ugandan not only was it the day when they got their independence but also the day they were supposed to face-off with their rivals and believe you-me this intense and fierce rivalry between the two camps goes back in time.
The 12th man question was undoubtebly answered when a record of over 70 buses and taxi's crossed the border filled with football fans who had all travelled to cheer their boys on. Its no wonder they fought hard to earn a much needed away point.
The officials especially the man at the centre of the action Mr. Diarra of Senegal who is no stranger to every Ugandan following a string of poor decisions that cost us qualification in 2008 against Niger. But thats all behind us. As for his performance on the day i'd say it was good. Afew fans thought he should have dished afew yellow cards for two cases of raised boots but at the end of the day it was good officiating.
The environment being Nairobi and the rivalry between the two camps, this was definitely not a game for the faint hearted. Ugandans showed up in huge numbers and so did the Kenyans. But when i was confronted with a barrage of insults hailed towards our political leader and generally us as Ugandans i begun to wonder whether it was "healthy rivalry" also known as passion or they were simply venting out their on and off-the -pitch frustrations towards us. Ask me, i'd say it's the latter.
Issues to address:
FUFA makes an official announcement concerning the ticket fares in Kenya and it was as follows; Ksh 300 (terrace) Ksh 500 (VIP). Every Ugandan fan has this on the back of their mind. So when planning was done that was the figure we all looked at. Drama ensued in Nairobi when most of the outlets supposed to sell the tickets claimed that they were sold out. The only place the fans could get the tickets was G4S offices moreover at Ksh 1000 for VIP only. If thats not total madness then i honestly don't know what it is. My understanding is that a certain amount of tickets is supposed to be alloted to the away fans travelling. Anyway im sure quite a number of fans couldn't access the tickets because of the rates. All the way from Kampala to go and watch the game on DSTV was a silly thought. So those who were about to fight through and get the tickets at that rate were some what lucky.
After paying Ksh 1000 for the VIP section even accessing it was another issue, not even water was served; my vuvuzela was confiscated, something to do with them not allowing them in the VIP section. Sincerely Kenyan Football Federation is this hot far the rivalry has come?
Security concern especially the fans who literally climbed the flood light towers to illegally access the stadium as some police literally looked on?
Generally i'd say the Kenyan Football Federation may be weren't adquately prepared for this game and it would have cost them if any violence (God forbid) had broken out especially if the result had ended in our favor.
All in all it was such a memorable experience and we eagerly wait to put them in their place when they travel this side for the return leg.
Anyway im totally thankful for the boys who fought tooth and nail to earn that point which sees us top the table. And now all the attention shifts to the CECAFA competition next month.
My man-of-the-match performance goes to the goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Uganda Cranes we are proud of you.
K.J
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