‘All-Kenyan’ affair as Wanyama, Origi prepare to clash in Champs League final
It will be ‘an all-Kenyan’ final when Liverpool play English rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid on June 1 for the biggest prize in European club football.
At least that’s how many Kenyans have interpreted it, following Tottenham’s dramatic comeback 3-2 win over Ajax Amsterdam in Amsterdam on Wednesday night to storm the final on the away goal rule.
Spurs’ victory was of immense significance to many Kenyans since Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama will now face-off with Liverpool’s Belgian striker with Kenyan roots, Divock Origi.
Origi scored a double 24 hours earlier to help Liverpool in overturning a three-goal deficit with a 4-o demolition of the much-fancied Spanish giants Barcelona at Anfield.
In Wednesday’s match, Brazilian Lucas Moura grabbed a hat trick even as Wanyama – who has been criticized for his inconsistent performances of late – put in his shift from midfield at a packed Johan Cruyff Arena.
Wednesday’s victory now places Wanyama on the cusp of history and greatness.
#championsleague #moura #sissoko
This Feeling!
Posted by Victor Wanyama on Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Should the 28-year-old defensive midfielder win the final, he will become only the second Kenyan to achieve this feat.
The other Kenyan who’s won this tournament happens to be his elder brother, Macdonald Mariga, who achieved the feat in 2010 with Inter Milan then coached by Jose Mourinho.
On Thursday morning, Deputy President William Ruto led Kenyans in congratulating Wanyama and Origi for their historic achievement.
Congratulations to @VictorWanyama and Divock Origi for playing starring roles for @SpursOfficial and @LFC respectively in a successful @ChampionsLeague campaign. #UCLfinal
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 9, 2019
With the teams facing improbable tasks of reaching the #UCLfinal, the lads, especially Origi, displayed fierce competitiveness, devastating finishing to complete an epic turnaround and crown victory. All the best in the Madrid showpiece. @SpursOfficial @LFC @ChampionsLeague .
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 9, 2019
And the tributes flowed in thick and fast for Wanyama.
THE 2 BROTHERS HISTORY MAKER:
Kenyan Brothers Make history again as Victor Wanyama follows the footsteps of his elder Brother Macdonald Mariga by qualifying for the Uefa Champions league finals in Madrid. pic.twitter.com/F3XVJfJZTb— ??Cynthia Wanyama?? (@CYNTHIA_WANYAMA) May 8, 2019
Wanyama will be going to Madrid 9 years since his big brother McDonald Mariga delivered the big prize with Inter Milan. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/2aOQtEWGRU
— Bonface Osano (@bonfaceosano) May 9, 2019
Here’s a weird footballing curiosity I have managed to dust off my brain:
If Victor Wanyama wins the Champions League with Spurs this season, he’ll be only the second Kenyan?? to do so. The first? McDonald Mariga, who won it with Inter in 2010.
The fun part? They’re brothers pic.twitter.com/9pyikoq6fD
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) May 8, 2019