Ingwe Romps To Continental Glory in Style

AFC! AFC! AFC! Sounds familiar? Yes those were the sounds on Kenyatta Day after Kenya's most decorated and supported club white-washed Congo United four goals to one to lift the coveted FKL Cup and earn a deserved ticket to continental glory next year. The historic win added the much needed pomp and glamour to a low keyed Footbal Kenya tournament as thousands of boisterous and passionate Ingwe fans danced to the traditional Isukuti drums in celebration causing heavy traffic snarl-ups in the capital city. The floodgates of goals started in the 34th minute when Congolese import Imbem Itubu made good use of a Denis Mukaisi fine pass to put Ingwe one up. Five minutes into the second half, AFC veteran Francis Xavier did not flinch an eye when he headed home the second goal sending the dancing fans into a frency led by the club chairman Alex Ole Magelo. But it was when Imbem again slotted in the third goal in the 60th minute that Ingwe killed the game. As if not done enough havoc, Laurent Tumba also from Congo tapped in the fourth goal from a sexy move from the midfield and lasted by James Kombo aka Junior. Even a consolation goal at stoppage time through penalty for the visitors did not interfere with the big celebration of over-the- moon Ingwe players and fans. AFC will now represent the country in the continental CAF championship come next year, hoping to rectify the mistakes arc rivals Gor Mahia made this year. Leopards coach Nick Yakhama congratulated his boys for lifting the cup and revealed that he plans to recruit heavily before facing more formidable teams at the continental stage."We will need to revamp our squad for us to make a mark in the competition," he said. He added that his eyes are on the quarters in the lucrative tournamment. Meanwhile AFC has already embarked on preparation for the weekend encounter with Thika United at City Stadium on Saturday 24th October. This is a match that Ingwe must win to stay clear of relegation threats in the on-going Kenya Premier League. Patched at position 14 on the standings, Ingwe needs to win at least two more matches out of the remaining four to be safe. Bandari FC and Agro Chemicals are the last two teams facing eminent chop from top flight soccer next season.(report on 21st Oct 2009)