‘Jirani ateseke’ - Kenyans stir up rivalry with Tanzania as they wish Morocco AFCON success over Taifa Stars

©Imago

FOOTBALL ‘Jirani ateseke’ - Kenyans stir up rivalry with Tanzania as they wish Morocco AFCON success over Taifa Stars

Joel Omotto 14:32 - 17.01.2024

Kenyans extend their rivalry with Tanzania by wishing Morocco a big win against Taifa Stars ahead of Wednesday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations encounter.

Kenyan’s rivalry with Tanzania took another twist on when the former expressed their desire to see Taifa Stars lose to Morocco in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener.

Tanzania have a daunting task against tournament favourites Morocco who they face in Wednesday’s first match at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pédro, Ivory Coast.

Even though the tournament has witnessed a number of upsets, few expect a Tanzania win against 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, and Kenyans have joined in the chorus of those who want their neighbours to fall.

“Dear Morocco, please beat Tanzania later today like drums,” said a Kenyan fan.

“My joy is to see our neighbours humiliated. TZ wafocus na bongo na Amapiano, mpira watuachia sisi wakenya (Tanzania should focus on Bongo music and Amapiano and leave football to Kenya),” posted another one.

“Tanzania will get beaten today and we'll be here laughing,” said another one praying for Taifa Stars’ downfall.

“AFCON might be full of surprises but one thing I am sure about is Tanzania ain't getting any positive surprise. Jirani ateseke (our neighbours should suffer).”

With both countries having had a diplomatic tiff this week after the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority suspended Kenya Airways flights from flying in its airspace, before the issue was resolved, some supporters feel a Taifa Stars loss would be a good way to avenge.

“I don't hate Tanzania but can't wait for their crucifixion today, they should pay for trying to blackmail Kenya,” was the desire of another supporter.

However, not everyone is wishing Tanzania failure. Some Kenyans want Taifa Stars to make East Africa proud, given they are the only representatives from the region.

“Tanzania need to make East Africa proud and perform well. Being jealous because your neighbour is doing well will never fix you. But we can learn, same way they've done in the last few years and overtaken us,” said a fan.

“Today we are fully behind Tanzania in #AFCON2023. Those who think Morocco will just have it easy in my opinion are dreaming. If Mali won, Burkina Faso won, everything is possible.”

Tanzania are returning to AFCON after their last appearance in 2019 in what is their third tournament after their debut in 1980, while Morocco, who last won the title in 1976, have been tipped to triumph after their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.