Battling RMS FC crash out at semis as Wananchi bag ticket to Liverpool

Battling Royal Media Services FC crashed out at the semi-final in the Road to Anfield football tournament missing a dream ticket to Liverpool narrowly in a tournament won by Wananchi Group Ltd FC.

RMS conceded two quick goals to Wananchi FC in the semis, to lose 2-0 and with it the dream of boarding a plane to Liverpool, the UK in August went up in smoke despite a brave fight on a slippery ground and wet conditions on Saturday at the St Mary’s School in Nairobi.

To reach the semis, RMS which had in its rank star- players Matthews Mutai, Mike Okinyi and Artur Wanyoike – won three of its group games, lost one and drawing one too.

They lost 1-0 to Nivea FC, drew 0-0 with Zamara FC, and recorded twin 1-0 victories against Syngenta FC and PricewaterCoopers FC to qualify for the round of 16 as group runners-up.

RMS then sailed to the quarters after their opponents Resolution Health FC were disqualified for fielding an illegible player following a successful appeal lodged by the no-nonsense roving attacker Mike Okinyi.

At the quarters, a tough battle ensued but RMS held their own beating Wananchi Group Ziku 3-0 in post-match penalties after a barren draw, to storm to the semis.

RMS goalie Evans Washington was the hero saving all the three spot kicks to knock out their opponents but the budding dream crashed at the semis where the Artur Mbugua coached charges soaked two early goals against Wananchi FC.

Last year’s tournament winners Capital FM were knocked out at the round of 16 stage by Nation Media group.

In a post-match interview, head coach Artur Mbugua Wanyoike said: “We should be proud of the boys, they did a good job, making it to the last four out of 74 teams is something I am truly proud of.

“The new players gave it their all hence the wonderful results, we just need more time to gel and blend together and come next season we will be on our way to Anfield,”

Roving midfielder Okinyi also weighed in: “It was a good run. We gave it our best … but ran out of gas in the semis.”

However, skipper Mutai was inconsolable after the defeat. He said: “Gutted not to be in the final but what a run. This is the first time we’ve made it to the semis thanks to great commitment and self-belief. We go back to the drawing board.”

At the same time, it was a fine outing for Wananchi Group after they Letshego 3-0 in the final to win the Road to Anfield tournament.