Kenya, Tanzania friendly called off

Harambee Stars’ friendly match against Taifa Stars has been cancelled following death of Tanzanian President John Magufuli, Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa has said.

Mwendwa had indicated the match would proceed through an earlier statement in which he said the two sides would observe a moment of silence prior to kick off to honour Mr Magufuli.

But the FKF boss says further discussions have led to the cancellation of the match altogether to allow the Tanzanians mourn their president whose death was announced last night.

Kenya was scheduled to play Tanzania this afternoon at the Nyayo National Stadium for the second time in three days following Monday’s clash at the same venue which Kenya won 2-1.

“The decision has been arrived at to allow the Tanzanian National Team and the Tanzanian General Public Mourn the sudden passing on of the late President, His Excellency, Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.

“Football Kenya Federation wishes to extend its deepest sympathy and message of goodwill to the Tanzanian Football Federation, the family and friends of the late President and the good people of Tanzania,” FKF said in a statement signed by CEO Barry Otieno.

Magufuli died on Wednesday from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, the country’s vice-president Samia Suluhu Hassan said in an address on state television. He was aged 61.