This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Kenya is hosting the East African Military Games and Cultural Events for the third time, with South Sudan competing for the first time this year. The tournament, which started on Monday, features Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Defending champions Kenya kicked off the games with a 4-0 win over Burundi in a football match played at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. The match saw Ulinzi Stars' Oscar Wamalwa score a hat-trick, with the team's coach Benjamin Nyangweso praising Wamalwa's outstanding performance.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo presided over the opening ceremony and urged participants to compete fairly and forge friendships. The games are a vital opportunity for the East African region to co-exist peacefully, she said.
On Tuesday, Kenya's Ulinzi Stars played against Burundi, with Wamalwa scoring the first goal in the seventh minute. Louis Nduwimana had a chance to level the scores for Burundi but his shot was blocked by Ulinzi Stars defender Mohammed Hassan.
Wamalwa doubled Ulinzi's lead in the 63rd minute, and the team's third goal was scored by Enosh Ochieng after he was substituted in for Omar Boraafya. Wamalwa completed his hat-trick with a stylish goal, dribbling past two defenders to make it 4-0.
The games will continue with Uganda facing Rwanda at 3pm at the Kasarani Stadium, followed by Kenya vs South Sudan at 6pm at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. The netball match will be played at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, and the volleyball match will be held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
