Afghanistan (10) v (5) Kenya

By Steph Rhoden

Afghanistan made it through their quarter final against Kenya 10-5, continuing their push to win the 2008 Homeless World Cup.

The atmosphere grew as the strong Afghani contingent in the crowd showed up as always to cheer on their countrymen, and Sayed Qasem did not disappoint when he scored the first goal.

His keeper, Zahid, saved a certain goal between his legs to set up Afghanistan to score once, then twice, after some explosive play through the middle by Mustafa.

Kenya fought hard to plug the holes in defence, and Mwangi struck hard but could not beat the keeper. He finally found the back of the net, but the Afghanis got one back straight away and managed another after Kenya's keeper made four super-human efforts only seconds earlier.

Mwaniki Kiai looked dangerous but couldn't find a gap as the crowd pleaser Qasem scored twice in the same spot to give his nation a 7-2 lead at half-time.

Qasem continued his form by scoring early, before Kenya's Kariuki got one through, and was set up again to get another one, as the Africans began to fight back.

Wonderful keeping from Zahid protected the lead for Afganistan, as the Kenyans were denied a goal by the referee after a player made his way into the goalie's circle. Mustafa managed a sliding goal to give his team some breathing room, before extending their lead to give Afghanistan a comfortable win.

Photos: Photoworx