Niger, Ghana crowned the 2012 Airtel Rising Stars Champions

Niger boys beat Zambia 5-4 while fellow champions’ Ghana girls beat Kenya 2-1 in the final of the Airtel Rising Stars pan-African Championship to lift the 2012 Airtel Rising Stars trophies at the Nairobi’s City Stadium.

At Full-time the fascinating match between Niger and Zambia was locked on a barren draw before proceeding to post-match penalties where the Niger boys converted all their penalties.

In the girls match, Kenya got the opening in the 27^th minute through Vivian Odhiambo before Ghana responding in the 43^rd minute through Emelia Lokko and ultimately sealing the win in the 56^th minute through Patience Narah.   

The trophies and medals were presented the trophy by Manchester United legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

In the third place play offs played at the St. Mary’s grounds, Uganda girls beat Chad to claim third place-finish.

A team of 25 players selected from the championships will undergo a 2-day clinic at the Kenya High School Nairobi conducted by Manchester United youth officials.  

In the Semifinals, Kenya girls beat Uganda 3-0 in a thrilling match played on Friday where Winnie Mogechi netted a brace in outstanding trend that she has maintained throughout the championship. In the previous matches, Kenya had a winning streak that included thrashing Malawi 11-0, Sierra Leone 3-0, and Chad 2-0.  

In the Semi-finals, Zambia boys beat Kenya II after a spectacular strike from Albert Bwalya in the 79^th minute. In other earlier matches, Zambia beat Burkina Faso 5-0, Gabon 2-0, and Tanzania 4-1.