In a vibrant display of sports diplomacy, Kakuma’s Westside FC and Tanganyika FC from the Kakuma Refugee Camp played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in a friendly match aimed at promoting peace, unity, and cohesion between the host community and refugees.
Westside FC dominated the early exchanges, dictating the tempo of the game and rightfully taking a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
However, the second half started at a high tempo. The game’s dynamics shifted dramatically after a Westside FC player received a red card, reducing the team to 10 men. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Tanganyika FC mounted a roaring comeback, equalizing through a brilliant header to level the score.
Speaking after the final whistle, Westside FC coach Joram Juma emphasized that the final scoreline was secondary to the match’s ultimate goal. He noted that the fixture was specifically organized to strengthen peace, unity, and good relations between the host community and the refugees.
On his part, Tanganyika FC coach Abdulhab Amadi Muya commended both the players and the fans for maintaining exceptional discipline and calm throughout the high-spirited friendly. Looking ahead, Muya assured supporters that his team would build on this performance as they continue preparing for upcoming competitive matches.
“Sports have a unique power to bridge divides. Today wasn’t just about football; it was about solidarity.”
The thrilling encounter brought together passionate fans from both communities, serving as a powerful reminder of how sports can be used as a tool to foster peace, integration, and mutual respect in society.
