KBC Channel 1

Author: Bernard Okumu

  • James stars as England beats Denmark

    James stars as England beats Denmark

    England are on the brink of last 16 qualification in the Women’s World Cup after producing a much-improved performance to beat Denmark 1-0 though they lost key midfielder Keira Walsh to a worrying injury.

    Lauren James announced herself on the global stage with a superb strike from the edge of the box just six minutes into her first World Cup start and it proved to be the decider in Sydney.

    However, a serious looking injury to Barcelona midfielder Walsh dampened what was a positive, attacking performance from the Lionesses after a struggling 1-0 over Haiti in their opening group match.

    Walsh went down under little contact and immediately gestured to the dugout, appearing to say “I’ve done my knee”. Visibly in pain, she was taken off on a stretcher after 38 minutes.

    The sight of an injured Walsh – arguably England’s most crucial player – flattened the atmosphere in a Sydney Football Stadium dominated by Lionesses’ supporters.

    Denmark capitalised on the change of mood, creating a chance for ex-Chelsea striker Pernille Harder which she scuffed wide, though England’s half-time lead was deserved.

    James continued to impress throughout, providing the creativity and unpredictability that has excited fans in the Women’s Super League this season, and she is more than deserving of a regular starting spot with England.

    She had chances in the first half either side of a header from Lucy Bronze which went over the bar, though Denmark pounced on defensive errors with Rikke Madsen and Janni Thomsen coming close.

    Denmark continued to search for an equaliser and almost found one when substitute Amalie Vangsgaard – who scored a 90th-minute winner over China – headed a cross against the post.

    But on the whole they did not test goalkeeper Mary Earps enough, while England had further chances through striker Alessia Russo and substitute Bethany England.

    England will be through to the last 16 if China fail to beat Haiti in the other Group D match, while Denmark face Haiti in their final group match and can still qualify.

  • Nigeria stuns hosts Australia to move to the top of Group B

    Nigeria stuns hosts Australia to move to the top of Group B

    Nigeria came from behind to beat Australia 3-2 and leave the co-hosts facing a battle to qualify for the last 16 of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

    Australia scored first when Emily van Egmond converted Caitlin Foord’s pass.

    But Nigeria equalised soon afterwards with Uchenna Kanu’s calm finish, before Osinachi Ohale’s header made it 2-1.

    Asisat Oshoala scored after a mix-up between Australia’s Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold and Nigeria held on, despite Kennedy scoring late on.

    Nigeria move top of Group B, level with Canada on four points, while Australia are a point behind both before the last matches in the section on Monday.

    Australia face Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne and may need a victory to guarantee a place in the knockout stages, while Nigeria play already-eliminated Republic of Ireland at the same time in Brisbane.

  • Caf Confederations Cup: Debutants Kakamega Homeboyz to take on Libya’s Al Hilal

    Caf Confederations Cup: Debutants Kakamega Homeboyz to take on Libya’s Al Hilal

    Kenya’s Kakamega Homeboyz FC will begin their Caf Confederations Cup campaign against Libya’s  Al Hilal Benghazi.

    According to the draw held today in Cairo ,Egypt,seat of power of CAF,Homeboyz will play Al Hilal on between August 18-20th in first leg at home before traveling to Tripoli a week later for the reverse fixture.

    Homeboyz got the nod to represent Kenya at the continental level ,for the first time in their two decade history after beating Tusker FC 1-0 in the final of MozzartBet Cup.

    Several players who were key to the team’s success last season are expected to play a leading role in the club’s continental charge.

    Goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo who has had a test of continental football while at previous club Yanga will be central to head coach Patrick Odhiambo strategy .

    The winner of the first preliminary round will meet Rayon Sports of Rwanda in the second preliminary round.

  • Anthony Elanga: Nottingham Forest sign Sweden forward from Man Utd

    Anthony Elanga: Nottingham Forest sign Sweden forward from Man Utd

    Nottingham Forest have signed Sweden forward Anthony Elanga from Manchester United on a five-year deal.

    The 21-year-old moves on from Old Trafford, with Forest believed to have paid United a fee of £15m.

    Elanga had been with United since he was 12 and achieved a first-team breakthrough in 2021, reaching 55 appearances before Forest stepped in.

    He said: “It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s a proud moment, not only for me, but for my family as well.”

    Elanga added: “It’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the Forest fans at the City Ground.

    “I had interest from elsewhere, but for me, Nottingham Forest feels like the perfect place.

    “I’ve been here with United. It’s a special place, but being here with Forest, I feel like it will be even more special. I’m ready for the challenge.”

    Elanga had been on United’s pre-season tour of the USA but travelled back to complete the move and become Forest’s second summer signing after defender Ola Aina.

    He joins Steve Cooper’s side despite intrest from clubs in Germany and Everton,whom Elanga was close to joining on loan in January.

    Elanga registered four senior goals for United and although he failed to score from 26 games last season, he made just seven starts.

    “Anthony had a number of excellent options in front of him to choose from so we are naturally delighted that from those he has chosen to become a Nottingham Forest player,” said Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson.

  • Mathare United ready for life in second tier, unveil technical bench

    Mathare United ready for life in second tier, unveil technical bench

    Former Kenya premier league champions Mathare United have unveiled the technical bench that will steer the side in the National Super League.

    Mathare United was relegated after more than a decade in the top flight after finishing second from bottom . They won the league title in 2008.

    The ‘slum boys’ have announced a new technical bench that consists head coach Leonard Odipo and assistants Geoffrey Maina and Julius Mativo. Elias Otieno and James Otieno were also named as goalkeeping and youth heads.

    Head coach Leonard Opiyo spoke of the daunting task ahead.

    “We have a tough task before us but I wouldn’t have accepted the opportunity if I did not believe I am the right man for the job. I have a competent team to work with. They are all experienced individuals who love the club and are passionate about their duties. Time for work is now”, read a statement.

    Club’s CEO Jecton Obure admitted the dismay in drop expressing the determination to bounce back.

    “Last season ended with huge disappointment. But you cannot fall and stay down, you get up, dust yourself and continue working. I believe we have the right team for this new chapter and I am excited for what the future holds.”

  • Women’s World Cup: Debutants Morocco go down  against Germany

    Women’s World Cup: Debutants Morocco go down  against Germany

     

    Germany began their Women’s World Cup campaign in style as captain Alexandra Popp scored twice to see off debutants Morocco 6-0  in Melbourne.

    It was a comfortable victory for world number two side Germany, who are heavy favourites to top Group H.

    Striker Popp, who was ruled out of the Euro 2022 final through injury, made her mark with two clinical headers in the first half.

    Klara Buhl pounced on a rebound shortly after half-time to extend Germany’s lead, before Morocco’s Hanane Ait el Haj and Yasmin Mrabet poked into their own net on separate occasions.

    Germany continued to cause problems and completed the rout when substitute Lea Schuller added a sixth, firing it into an empty net after a swift counter-attack on the right.

    It was a strong performance from Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side as they created numerous chances and looked sharp going forward, hitting the woodwork on two occasions and having a goal ruled out for offside.

    Despite missing key players Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering through injury, Germany maintained their impressive record in the group stages of the competition, losing only once in 25 matches.

    Morocco, one of eight teams making their World Cup debut this year, were dangerous in flashes, but they lacked the clinical touch that Germany’s Popp provided at the other end.

     

  • West Mugirango Constituency office to revamp sports facilities in schools

    West Mugirango Constituency office to revamp sports facilities in schools

     

    West Mugirango MP Steven Mogaka has reiterated his support to development of sports in the region saying the Constituency office is set to embark on rehabilitating sports facilities in schools in the constituency so as to nurture budding talents.

    “I will be channeling the National Constituency Development Fund (NCDF) kitty to construct standard ball games playing courts and pitches in strategic and accessible public institutions within the constituency to be used for practice and competitions of various ball games for both students and constituency sports clubs. I want to ensure that we nurture the sports talents of our youths in the constituency because sports is a very lucrative venture which is enabling young people who have taken it seriously to make a decent livelihood from its earnings,” Mogaka assured.

    The legislator was speaking as he awarded schools in his constituency that had qualified for Nyanza regional secondary school games at Maranda High School.

    The MP  gave out games kits, balls for football, netball and handball games to school teams which qualified to participate in the regional ball game competitions at Maranda High school in Siaya County.

    “I want to congratulate our young talented students who have made our constituency proud. The reason why I have decided to motivate them to perform even better and qualify for national ball games competitions for they are equally capable of clinching the national games title,” Mogaka said.

    He pointed out that the youths’ potential is dynamic and apart from pursuing academic oriented careers only, sports, music and art are some of the emerging professions which youths can embrace and pursue.

    Nyamira County Director of Education (CDE), Zachary Mutuiri congratulated the teams for their exemplary performance and challenged them to put their best foot forward in the regional competitions because they have what it takes to qualify for national competitions.

    School teams that qualified to participate in the regional ball games competitions in Maranda high school, Siaya County are; Gekomoni football team, Rirumi netball team and Ekerenyo Girls handball team.

     

     

     

     

  • Michael Karanga wins Barry Cup in Mombasa

    Michael Karanga wins Barry Cup in Mombasa

     

    Kiambu Golf Club’s Michael Karanga returned a score of 64 gross to win the 103rd edition of Barry Cup Golf tournament held at Mombasa Golf Course.

    Karanga’s score did supersede the previous record of 66 gross that had stood for 32 years.

    The three day event which attracted a total of 78 players  was  played for the first time as a 54-hole event to enable the elite amateur an opportunity to earn World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

    Since the Barry cup was donated by one of the founder members of Mombasa Golf Club,Perry Barry in 1913 it has always been played over 36 holes in two days.

    However this year, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) decided to upgrade all the 26 national events to 54 holes and over in order to enable the elite amateurs earn World Golf Ranking (WGR) points.

    Following the win Karanga pocketed  a cash prize of sh 92,500 and a cup while the cash award was also spread to the  top 20 finishers totaling to sh 400,000.

    A  total of 78 golfers enlisted for the tournament before being whittled down to 48 who proceeded to the final round.

    Karanga was elated at breaking the record acknowledging the competition he faced in the tournament.

    “The weather condition during the day was good and the course is among the best courses one can score,” he pointed out.

    Mombasa county executive committee member in charge of sports Kenneth Ambani reiterated the County Government’s readiness to boost golf in the region.

    “The ladies’ version of the tournament will be held at the same venue in the first week of next month,” he pointed out.

    “The county government will give support to the next tournament like the one given to the just ended men’s tournament,” he said.

  • Kalle Rovanpera clinches Rally Estonia win

    Kalle Rovanpera clinches Rally Estonia win

     

    Two years ago Rovanperä became the WRC’s youngest rally winner on the country’s ultra-fast special stages. He leaves Estonia 55 points clear at the top of the championship standings after today’s dominant success moved him another step closer to claiming back-to-back world titles.

    The 22-year-old Finn finished the four-day gravel road fixture 52.7sec ahead of Hyundai i20 N foe Thierry Neuville, who initially led after Friday’s opening loop. He seized the top spot later that day before reeling off nine consecutive fastest times on Saturday to exert his supremacy.

    The forecasted rain did not materialise in Sunday’s closing leg where Rovanperä again remained untouchable, winning all four speed tests in his Toyota GR Yaris and gaining maximum Wolf Power Stage bonus points in the process. Such was his dominance that he won 15 of the rally’s 21 special stages.

    “An important event, this one,” he smiled. “For the championship it’s a really important place to get good points and the plan was this exactly. It’s my favourite event of the calendar so I knew we had to push here, and it went well.”

    Neuville virtually conceded defeat by Saturday night but was in high spirits after enjoying one of the strongest fast gravel rally performances of his career. He could not afford to cruise through Sunday, though, with team-mate Esapekka Lappi completing the podium just 6.8sec behind after more than 300km of competition.

    Lappi’s result marked his fourth top-three finish for Hyundai Motorsport, which now trails Toyota Gazoo Racing by 57 points in the manufacturers’ title race. He and Toyota-driving Welshman Elfyn Evans were closely matched with only 7.3sec separating them at the final control.

    Teemu Suninen made it three Hyundais in the top five, finishing over one-minute back from Evans after a faultless drive on his i20 N Rally1 debut. Behind him was Pierre-Louis Loubet, who shaded Takamoto Katsuta in the Wolf Power Stage to claim sixth overall.

    Loubet’s M-Sport Ford team-mate Ott Tänak was the pre-event favourite but his hopes of a home victory were squashed before the rally had even started. Issues in Thursday’s shakedown forced a last-minute engine change and landed him a five-minute penalty before the opening stage. He now trails Rovanperä by 66 points with five rounds remaining.

    Andreas Mikkelsen maintained his lead in the WRC2 category and finished ninth in the overall standings. Sami Pajari, campaigning a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 similar to that of Mikkelsen’s, completed the top 10.

    The WRC remains in northern Europe for another fast gravel road fixture at Secto Rally Finland next month. Round nine of the season is based in Jyväskylä on 3 – 6 August.

     

     

  • Gentrix Shikangwa makes Beijing switch

    Gentrix Shikangwa makes Beijing switch

     

    Harambee Starlets forward Gentrix Shikangwa has completed her move to China’s super league side Beijing Beikong Women Football Club.

    Shikangwa has signed a 6 month contract following  a one year stint with  Tanzania premier league side Simba Queens.

    She scored 17 goals for the Tanzanian outfit during the 2022-23 season and was named in the leagues’ team of the season squad. She had attracted interest from former CAF women’s champions league winners South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Yanga Princes among other clubs.

    Shikangwa a lethal forward who helped Kenya to their 2019 CECAFA women title after scoring 10 goals is expected to help Beijing’s efforts to avoid the drop with the side lying second  from bottom on the 12 team standing.

    Beijing Beikong women have lost 7 of the 10 games they have played managing only 7 points and are 21 points off the leaders Wuhan Jiangda Women. Shanghai RCB women and Changchun Dazhong Women are ranked in second and third positions respectively.

    Teams ranked in positions 7-12 are relegated at the end of the campaign. Shikangwa’s first assignment will be against Shaanxi Changan FC in a  league match on August 13th.

    Shikangwa previously turned out for Kenya women premier leaguefour time winners  Vihiga Queens with whom she inspired to the inaugural CAF women’s Champions League in 2021 before making her first foreign foray when she signed for Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk .