Pundits often say that history repeats itself. Defending champions, Parliament of Uganda shall be hoping this feat is realized in totality when they meet EALA in the Inter-Parliamentary Soccer finals on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Namboole Stadium. However, EALA is going for nothing short of victory when the two finalists meet in a repeat of what transpired last year in Nairobi.
Uganda this afternoon beat Kenya 2-0 in a lively semi-final clash at the Nakivubo stadium. Alhajj Muhammad Nsereko, the Kampala Central MP was on the mark in the 20th minute to increase his tally to 4 goals. A defensive blunder led to an own goal by Stephen Njatta in mid second half.
Kenya however put up a good show and dominated the game in the first half. Hon David Ochieng came close to giving Kenya the lead but his shot went inches wide with the Ugandan goalkeeper, Daniel Ssekide beaten.
It was a sad day for the Kenyans who were celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their country’s independence. However, they will have some consolation following National team, Haram bee Stars 2-0 victory over the Sudan in the final of the Council for East and Central East Africa Senior Challenge cup in Nairobi.
In the second semi-final clash, EALA-EAC beat Vision 2020 FC of Rwanda 1-0 to book a date with the defending champions. John Kibwana scored the only goal after lobbing the ball past Bernard Byukusenge in the Parliament of Rwanda goal.
Last year, Uganda beat EALA 5-4 in penalties after both teams had tied 1-1 in ordinary time. In netball, Kenya will face defending champions, Parliament of Tanzania in the only netball match scheduled for tomorrow at the Lugogo indoor stadium.
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 organized 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.
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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
