Kenya, Tanzania friendly match called off in honour of late President
International friendly match between Harambee Stars and Tanzania’s Taifa Stars has been cancelled.
This has been occasioned by the demise of Tanzanian President, John Pombe Magufuli.
CANCELLED!
The international friendly between Kenya and Tanzania that was expected to take place today has been CANCELLED following the death of the President of Tanzania.#AfricaSoccerZone #ASZ
— Africa Soccer Zone (@AfricaSoccer_zn) March 18, 2021
Announcing the cancellation on his social media page, Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa noted that: “Kenya vs Tanzania is off and cancelled! With respect to our brothers, we have agreed to cancel. Poleni sana!”
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Initially, the president had given the indication that the match will be played and that both teams shall observe a moment of silence in his honour.
“In honour of the late President, we shall observe a moment of silence prior to kick off in today’s international friendly match between the Harambee Stars and Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.
He, however, condoled with the Tanzanians: “Our hearts go out to the people of Tanzania following the loss of President John Pombe Magufuli. On behalf of Football Kenya Federation and the entire Kenyan football fraternity, I wish you peace and solace during these difficult times.”
In the first friendly match played on Monday 15th March 2021, Kenya won 2-1, through goals scored by Erick Kapaito and Hassan Abdalla.
Both teams were using the games to prepare for crucial African Cup of Nations Qualifiers to be played later this month.