In the pulsating showdown between Harambee Starlets and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at Nyayo National Stadium, the real action wasn’t just on the field. The photographers on the sidelines had their own drama unfolding, capturing every moment with fervor and flair.
Capital Sports’ Timothy Olubulu, a steadfast supporter of the Starlets, wore his heart on his lens. His shots were a testament to his unwavering dedication. Alongside him, Vincent Ooro was crafting his own visual narrative, each click of his camera a stroke in the masterpiece he envisioned, scoreline and all.
Yet, amidst the clicks and flashes, Kenya found themselves in a precarious position. With a goal against them on aggregate from their previous match in Cameroon, the tension hung palpably in the air. When the crucial goal finally struck, it was a seismic moment. Tim, the self-proclaimed Sports Moran, nearly sacrificed his lens to the gods of jubilation. Shilwatso’s shot ricocheted off the woodwork minutes after her goal, causing hearts to skip a beat and Tim’s camera to shudder.
To the photographers, any call against Kenya was a miscarriage of justice. Their language was one of unapologetic support, a chorus of dissent against any officiating decisions that didn’t align with their vision of the match.
The Sports Moran, a prophet of victory, had foreseen this triumph even before the goal found its mark. His position on the edge of his seat was no accident; it was poised for the perfect shot of jubilation when the moment arrived.
Language was a luxury shared among them, exchanged in glances and knowing nods. When a controversial ‘handball’ call echoed through the stadium, Tim and Ooro’s protestations were a testament to their conviction. Yet, the ref’s dismissal was as natural to them as the hands of a clock in motion.
For a brief interlude, the cameras paused. The match, the spectacle, demanded their full attention. Even the allure of a potential penalty for the Starlets couldn’t tear them from the spellbinding contest. They had seen it all, and the ref’s decision was final.
In the end, the Harambee Starlets’ determination prevailed, earning them a ticket to the next round of the Women African Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Cynthia Shilawatso’s heroic strike in the 78th minute had leveled the playing field, erasing Cameroon’s first-leg advantage.
As the final whistle blew, the photographers captured not just a victory, but a saga of unyielding spirit and undeniable skill. With lenses raised high, they immortalized a moment that will echo through the annals of Kenyan football history.
