The game turned in the 70th minute when Kenya was reduced to 10 men after substitute Aboud Omar was sent off for an altercation with the referee.
Harambee Stars were eliminated from the Mapinduzi Cup following a 1-0 loss to hosts Zanzibar in a tense match that saw two red cards produced at Gombani Stadium. Kenya, sitting second in their group with four points before the match needed only a draw to reach the final, while Zanzibar, with three points, required a win to advance.
Despite early chances, including Moses Shumah’s curling shot saved by Zanzibar’s goalkeeper and a near miss by Austine Odhiambo, the first half ended goalless. The second half saw Kenya survive some close calls, including a strong save from Faruk Shikalo to deny Zanzibar in multiple occasions.
The game turned in the 70th minute when Kenya was reduced to 10 men after substitute Aboud Omar was sent off for an altercation with the referee. The referee had awarded Zanzibar a free kick on the edge of the kenyan box even though it’s a Kenyan player who was fouled, prompting am altercation between him and the captain considering the calls he was making against Kenya.
In the dying minutes, Zanzibar claimed victory when Ali Inzaghi headed home a corner, securing their spot in the final. Both teams finished with 10 men after Zanzibar also had a player sent off in the extra time of the game. Zanzibar Heroes will now face Burkina Faso in the finals of the competition.