Sam Nyamweya has admitted to being impressed by the performance of Simba SC after they battled to a 2-2 draw against Al Ahly in their quarter-final first-leg clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday.
The Red Devils took the lead in the 45th minute when Reda Slim slotted home after Wekundu wa Msimbazi were caught napping but Kibu Dennis levelled matters in the 53rd minute when he found himself unmarked inside the Al Ahly goalmouth and headed home a cross from Clatous Chama and in the 59th minute Sadio Kanoute made it 2-1 off a corner from Ntibazonkiza Saidi.
However, Simba lost concentration yet again in the 63rd minute as Mahmoud Kahraba slotted home to make it 2-2 after a quickly taken free-kick. In a statement issued after the game, Nyamweya revealed Simba’s superb display was a clear indicator that the East African region was taking huge strides.
“I take this great opportunity to congratulate Simba SC of Tanzania for their gallant display to secure a 2-2 draw against giants Al Ahly of Egypt in their first leg quarter-final fixture on Friday,” said Nyamweya, adding: “The superb display by Simba not only showed that the East African region was taking huge strides in regards to the number one sport but also confirmed that our Kenyan football was doing badly and needs immediate proper management.”
The opening fixture was graced by among others FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. “Simba’s superb display in the presence of FIFA President Infantino, CAF President Motsepe, and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a clear indicator that Kenyan football has sunk too low since I left office as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President in 2016. During my time, Tanzania were no march to Kenya, we were rated as the best team in the African region and could not be compared to them even a mile.”
Nyamweya, who has shown keen interest in contesting and returning as the FKF President, assured Kenyans that he will streamline the sport when he steps back to office.
“But with FKF elections coming in February 2024, I want to assure Kenyans that they should not lose hope because there is light at the end of the tunnel. In my return to office, I will make sure that Kenya regains its lost glory as the best footballing nation in the East African region,” he said, adding: “I will further make sure that I put in place structures that will bond well with our league clubs and also make sure we go for services of a top-notch coach to handle our national team.”