EAC 3 - PARLIAMENT OF TANZANIA 1
ARUSHA, Tanzania, November 24, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Three quick second half goals saw the EAC/EALA team dismiss Parliament of Tanzania in a highly charged Group B match played at the Prince Loius Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura, Burundi this evening. The match was attended by dignitaries led by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC in the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon Eriya Kategaya.
In attendance also were the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt. Hon Pie Ntavyohanyuma, EALA and Members of the Burundi National Assembly, players from the participating National Assemblies and scores of spectators.
Tanzania drew the first blood in the 34th minute when striker Michael Kadebe pounced on a cross from Munubi Kajobi Mumbala to give his Parliament the lead. Tanzania dominated the proceedings in the first half testing EAC's goalkeeper, Tumaini Ikomba several times. On resumption, both teams missed clear-cut chances. EAC's coach Rajab Rishad made quick substitutions bringing in Hon Dan Kidega for Hon Christophe Bazivamo and replacing an injured Boniface Ogoti with midfielder Emmanuel Diah. The move paid off with immediate dividends.
Hon Dan Kidega latched on to a pass from roving winger Meshack Nyambele to equalise for EALA in the 60th minute. Five minutes later, striker Wycliff Ketto pounced on a loose ball and beat the defence to score EAC's second goal. The goal saw protests coming from Parliament of Tanzania who claimed it was scored from an offside position leading to a red card and subsequent matching orders given to Hon William Mganga Ngeleja.
Meshack Nyambele completed a pass from Hon Dan Kidega for the third goal in the 67th minute. Tanzania's Mark Nyamkoro Tanda received a red card after a second bookable offence in the 69th minute. The match also saw EAC's Meshack Nyambele get a yellow card for rough play from the referee Nkurunzinza Thierry. Hon Hamad Masauni of Tanzania was also booked in the 48th minute.
The results mean EALA/EAC who play Parliament of Kenya in the second match tomorrow now lead the group with three points. Tanzania and Kenya drew 0-0 yesterday and tommorow's match shall be crucial for Kenya who need a win to be assured of progress to round two.
The earlier Group A game between Burundi and Rwanda was not played following the withdrawal of Rwanda from the competition. Uganda and Burundi have already qualified for the next round.
The Inter-Parliamentary Football Tournament 2011 marks part of the celebrations of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of EALA.