Kenya: When Power Failure Saved Stars From the Jaws of Defeat

The fourth All-Africa Games soccer tournament semi-final between Kenya's Harambee Stars and Malawi was brought to a premature end because of a sudden black-out at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in 1987.

With Malawi leading 1-0 and pressing hard for another goal, the stadium was plunged into darkness following power failure, leaving the referee with no alternative but to call off the clash amid protests by the Malawians who claimed there was foul play to save the home team.

They apparently felt the Kenyans, sensing imminent defeat had "deliberately" tampered with the lights to rob them of victory.

The Games organisers immediately ordered the teams to meet again in a replay the next day.

This time, Harambee Stars turned the tables by beating the unlucky Malawi 1-0 to stride into the final against Egypt on the penultimate day of the Games.

As it turned out Egypt had the last laugh, pipping Harambee Stars 1-0, thanks to a controversial goal netted from a suspiciously offside position. But the question still remains: Did the Kenyans really tamper with the lights as alleged by Malawi?

Addis Ababa friendly

After winning the 1961 Gossage Cup in Mombasa, the Football Association of Kenya landed an invitation from Ethiopia for an international friendly in Addis Ababa at a short notice.

With little time to round up a full team, coach Ray Bachelor managed to raise an under-strengh squad, depleted by the absence of top stars that featured in the team that had lifted the Gossage Cup. But the Kenyans did not want to disappoint their hosts.

Batchelor, who doubled up as manager, left with only ten players, decided to field himself to fill the remaining 11th berth to complete the team.

Bathroom fight

The national Ethiopian side had little difficult in winning the hurriedly organised game before their home supporters.

To make the situation worse, Kenya's captain and one of his colleagues were involved in a fight in the bath-room, causing damage to the hotel's property.

Embarrassed and dismayed, the Football Association of Kenya slapped a 12 month suspension on both players as soon as the team jetted back in disgrace.

Consequently both of stars missed the 1962 Gossage Cup hosted by Kenya and won by Uganda at the City Stadium.