Kenya win Paris 2011 Women's Homeless World Cup
Mexico took on Kenya in an enthralling final of the Paris 2011 Women's Homeless World Cup before a packed Stade de Liberte.
Paris 2011 Women's Homeless World Cup winners - KENYA!
Photo by (C) Esme DeaconMel Young, Emmanuel Petit and Lilian Thuran joined the teams as they observed the anthems amid a carnival atmosphere on the Champs de Mars.
Both teams huddled prior to the game as they collected thoughts and calmed nerves.
Kenya took hold of the early stages and opened the scoring with a low drive to make it 1-0. They continued their pressure and added a fine second goal, through the legs of the keeper before Nelinda Aide Arratia Medina hit two shots narrowly wide for Mexico.
Mexico's Laura Marisol Gutierrez Carmona was pulling the strings in the middle and she set up the lively Arratia Medina to fire narrowly wide before the Kenya keeper pulled off an extraordinary triple save.
But it was Kenya, against the run of play, who extended their lead with an unstoppable drive from long range as they took a 3-0 lead the the break.
Half Time: KENYA 3-0 MEXICO
Mexico pulled a goal back less than a minute into the second period as Kenya struggled to adapt to a more attacking approach from their opponents and Amaya Leon slotted home.
But only Seconds later a wonderful peice of the individual skill saw Rose Achieng Agoth dance into the Mexico half and bury her shot to make it 4-1.
Mexican striker Arratia Medina came close twice as Mexico pursued a way back into the game and were given the perfect opportunity when they were awarded a penalty. Their captain Amaya Leon took responsibility but saw her driven penalty fly over the bar.
Okoth was clearly enjoying the game and very nearly extended the lead for Kenya before Mexico dragged two quick goals back.
An amazing save in the dying seconds won it for Kenya as keeper Grace Nyambura tipped wide a fantastic drive which would have pushed the game to penalties.
Kenya held on and are the Paris 2011 Women's Homeless World Cup Champions!
FINAL SCORE: KENYA 4 : 3 MEXICO
Congrats Kenya! You girls rock! Commando and Rose we're so proud of you at KGSA!! Congrats to the whole team!
So proud of the Kenyan Girls. Congratulations for this big feat. You did Kenya and Africa proud. Achieng, Commndo and the rest, Shukuran sana.
Well done, Kenya!
Congratulations!
Well done, Kenya.
Congratulations!
So proud of you girls.Am aware of your hard work. You deserve it girls. Congrats to KGSA team. Achie and Comm. Such great role models.
Well done ladies you have done Kenya proud
Congrats, Kenya! You've made not only Kenya proud but the entire continent of Africa! I'm so proud of my sister, Rossie, for the wonderful team coached! Well done, Kenyan women! You surely ROCK!! Way to go!
So proud of you Commando & Achieng--you have such great futures ahead of you!!!