Stars Finished 'Third' In AFCON: Kenyans React To Senegal, Algeria Final
15th July 2019
Local football fans take to social media to reflect on the fact their Group C rivals will vie for the trophy on Friday
- Senegal saw off the challenge of Tunisia 1-0 after extra time after both sides missed penalties in regulation in the first semi before a Riyad Mahrez special free-kick in the final minute of time added on after 90 saw Algeria sink the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1
- It was not lost on local football fans glued on the action from Cairo that Kenya were pooled against the Desert Foxes and the Lions of Teranga in the preliminary round where the former strolled to a 2-0 victory in their Group C opener as the latter beat Stars 0-3 in the final game
- The magic of Mahrez who belted in a stoppage time stinger did not go unnoticed
NAIROBI, Kenya- It was not that bad after all. That was the online verdict of the performance of national team Harambee Stars after Group C rivals, Algeria and Senegal made the finals of the Egypt 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals on Sunday night.
Senegal saw off the challenge of Tunisia 1-0 after extra time after both sides missed penalties in regulation in the first semi before a Riyad Mahrez special free-kick in the final minute of time added on after 90 saw Algeria sink the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1.
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It was not lost on local football fans glued on the action from Cairo that Kenya were pooled against the Desert Foxes and the Lions of Teranga in the preliminary round where the former strolled to a 2-0 victory in their Group C opener as the latter beat Stars 0-3 in the final game.
Stars, who were returning to the continental showpiece for the first time in 15 years paid dearly for their second half capitulation against Senegal when they were knocked out from the competition on an inferior goal difference when the ranking of the best third-place finishers was done.
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"It is an Algeria vs Senegal Final. The two teams that beat Kenya in group stage. We owe Harambee Stars an apology!" Linus Kaikai, one of the country's biggest media managers tweeted.
"Congratulations Harambee Stars for finishing 3rd in AFCON. Only Kenya & TZ played both finalists; Senegal & Algeria. All the other teams played either of the two in post-group matches.
"Jameni (loosely translated, seriously) we were asking too much from our boys. TZ now finish fourth," local television presenter, Hussein Mohammed chuckled on the same micro-blogging platform.
"The only teams that beat @harambee__stars in #AFCON2019 are playing in the finals. By this virtue we are number 3 in Africa," another user, calling themselves Young Master agreed.
Laughing emoji
"Congratulations to our Group C mates, Senegal and Algeria. Good luck in the finals. #TotalAFCON2019," the official handle of the senior men's national team, @harambee__stars tweeted.
"Analysis paralysis.... Kenya's Harambee Stars were not so bad after all, they lost to AFCON finalists," journalist Everlyn Watta wrote with a laughing emoji.
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"Afcon iliishia group c. Algeria - gold, Senegal-silver, Kenya bronze,Tz no-4. Kenya hoyeeee! (AFCON was decided in Group C)," Daniel Keybiro cheered on the K.P.L Chat Facebook group on Monday morning as online users poured on social media to give their take on the Algeria versus Senegal final on Friday.
"Hii group kenya tuliwekwa acha tu!! Now again Senegal vs Algeria - Afcon finals. Kenya Vs Tanzania - Chan (that group Kenya was drawn in, let's not talk about it)," Johnson Kaburu charged.
He was alluding that his nation and East African rivals are only 'fit' to contend for a place in the finals of the 2020 Africa Home Nations Championships where they are due to play a two-legged affair next month.
"ALGERIA N SENEGAL to final. did some of u expect Kenya to beat the two n draw tz?(grp of death)," Ben Benitoz quipped.
Others poured cold water on those seeking solace for the preliminary round exit.
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"Harambee Stars played pathetic football in AFCON - Egypt. Let no one lie to you of what has transpired now. A team that could not make 3 accurate passes is not a worthy football team. Even struggled to beat their juniors - the neighbors here," Jared Otieno Nyanjom commented.
The magic of Mahrez who belted in a stoppage time stinger did not go unnoticed.
"He has won the EPL title three times. He's won the man of the match in almost all the matches he played in this years AFCON. He scored from a touch of genius, a last minute free kick that sent Nigeria to the 3rd/fourth place playoffs.
"He is destined to win the AFCON 2019 player of the tournament. (H) Is name is Maharez (Mahrez)," Henry Kivuva gushed on the former Leicester City FC and current Manchester City FC star.