CECAFA U18 : Kakamega Homeboyz' Ibrahim Wanzala wins goalkeeper of the tournament

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CECAFA U18 : Kakamega Homeboyz' Ibrahim Wanzala wins goalkeeper of the tournament

Festus Chuma 18:22 - 08.12.2023

Kakamega Homeboyz' Ibrahim Wanzala clinches Golden Gloves at CECAFA U-18 with stellar performance, emerging as Kenya's football sensation.

Kenya and Kakamega Homeboyz shot stopper Ibrahim Wanzala has been named as the Best Goalkeeper of the 2023 CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship.

Wanzala's journey to glory culminated in a thrilling final, where the Junior Stars faced off against Uganda at the iconic Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.

Despite a valiant effort, Kenya fell short, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to the resilient Ugandan team. Nevertheless, Wanzala's heroics between the posts did not go unnoticed.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper showcased exceptional skill throughout the tournament, keeping three clean sheets and proving to be an impenetrable wall for opposing strikers.

His remarkable consistency earned him the coveted Golden Glove award, a testament to his dedication and talent in guarding the net.

Wanzala's journey to recognition had its defining moment in the semi-final clash against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 5.

In a tense encounter that ended in a goalless draw after regulation time, the match was pushed into extra time, with both sides vying for a spot in the final.

It was in this nail-biting showdown that Wanzala emerged as the day's hero, making two crucial penalty saves that swung the momentum firmly in favor of Kenya.

Kenya's path to the semi-finals had been paved with impressive victories.

The journey began with a resounding 5-0 triumph over Sudan on Saturday, November 25, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium.

Aldrine Kibet's brilliant strike from the edge of the box secured a well-deserved 1-0 win against Rwanda on November 28 in their second game of the tournament.

Wanzala's contribution to Kenya's success was undeniable, and his connection with his teammate Syphas Otieno Owuor was evident in the 65th-minute goal against Uganda in the final.

Owuor received the ball directly from Wanzala and, with exquisite control, skillfully slotted it past the Ugandan goalkeeper, briefly giving Kenya the lead. 

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