Parliament of Uganda became the first team to qualify for the next round of the tournament after beating Vision 2020 FC of Rwanda 2-1 in soccer earlier today. Captain, Hon Patrick Nsanja opened the scoring early in the second half after the spadework was done by youthful legislator, Hon Peter Ogwang. The game was however balanced with both teams’ midfield dictating the pace in the first half.
The hardworking midfield dynamo, Hon Peter Ogwang was at it again, this time laying a pass to striker, Denis Obua who tapped the ball past Rwandan goalkeeper, Bernard Byukusenge for the second goal.
Vision 2020 FC however replied through a penalty converted by Senator Gallicon Niyongolo in the second half.
In the second match of the day (Group B), Bunge FC’s Daniel Karanja was the toast of the team, scoring a decisive goal to throw the group wide open. Kenya who were defeated yesterday by EALA/EAC had a purposeful start testing the Parliament of Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Hon Azzan Iddi Mohammed. Tanzania came close to scoring but Arumeru legislator, Hon Joshua Nassari shot wide in the 25th minute.
In the second half, both teams gave as much as they got. As the clock ticked on, Stephen Njatta unleashed a hard kick which was spilled by the Parliament of Tanzania goalkeeper, Hon Azzan Iddi Mohammed. Daniel Karanja stepped up and scored from the rebound. Kenya now ties with EALA at 3 points each, though the Kenyans have played two games.
In netball, Kenya and EALA both earned 2 points each against their competitors, Burundi and Rwanda respectively who did not field netball teams. In football matches scheduled for tomorrow, Burundi shall lock horns with Rwanda in Group A with the winner expected to join Uganda in the next round.
Thereafter, Tanzania and EALA will face-off in what is billed to be an interesting clash.
At the Lugogo indoor stadium, both Uganda and Tanzania are expected to be awarded points following the absence of Burundi and Rwanda, their respective competitors.
NOTE TO EDITORS
The EAC (EALA) mooted the idea of the liaising with other Parliaments through football in 2001. Then, EALA hosted a special tournament to mark the occasion of its establishment in Arusha, Tanzania.
However, it was not until November 2009 that EALA organised the initial Inter-Parliamentary football tournament. EALA has continued to organise the games as the co-ordinator and works closely with the hosting National Assembly/Parliament to ensure successful tournaments. The EAC Speakers at their 4th Speakers’ Forum held in the same month agreed to have the Inter-Parliamentary games held on an annual and rotational basis. At the same time, the Speakers’ Forum urged all National Assemblies/Parliaments to have a permanent budget line for the tournament.
EALA has institutionalized the tournament in its calendar of activities. The tournament currently features football and netball. The opportunity is also used to hold other activities in the social, intellectual and political fields.
Ends
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For more information, contact:
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036, + 256-785-873544.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
