Legends Cup: Kanu to lead Arsenal against Wanyama’s Harambee Stars on Friday
Former Nigerian and Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu during a courtesy call at the Nation Media Group offices on April 5, 2016.
Photo credit: File | Nation
By Cecil Odongo
Reporter
Nation Media Group
Legendary Nigeria's Super Eagles striker Nwankwo Kanu will headline a star-studded squad of former Arsenal players who will play ex-Harambee Stars players in an exhibition match dubbed Legends Cup at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on Friday.
Kanu, a 1993 Fifa U-17 World Cup and 1996 Olympic Games winner, who made history as the first African player to feature for Arsenal, will captain the Gunners stars of yore against a legend-heavy Harambee Stars side skippered by former Tottenham Hotspur midfield powerhouse Victor Wanyama.
The match will kick off at 7pm under floodlights at Nyayo, bringing together some of the most recognisable names in African and international football for an evening celebrating the game's past greats.
The Arsenal contingent of 24 includes former France internationals Bacary Sagna and Yaya Sanogo, former Ivorian international Gervinho, and ex-Indomitable Lions' Alex Song.
PHOTO | DALE DE LA REY Alex Song of Arsenal controls the ball against Kitchee during their friendly football match in Hong Kong on July 29, 2012.
They will face a Kenyan side featuring former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, ex-Auxerre hitman Dennis Oliech, Francis Kahata, Francis Onyiso, Jamal Mohammed and Harambee Stars legends of the 1980s John Bobby Ogola JJ Masiga and Mahmoud Abbas.
The encounter will rekindle memories of the players' contributions to football, with Kanu and Wanyama representing two generations of African players who made their mark on the international stage.
While Kanu won two English Premier League titles with Arsenal, Wanyama became the first Kenyan to feature in the English Premier League.
Organisers are in talks with a renowned centre referee to officiate the match. He will be assisted by a team of Kenyan Fifa-certified match officials.
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, giving fans who will not make it to the stadium an opportunity to follow the reunion.
Beyond the match, the visiting Arsenal Legends will engage young footballers during a coaching clinic on Saturday at Crawford International School.
The initiative is part of efforts to use the Legends Cup to inspire young talent and support grassroots football development.
Tickets for the match are available through M-Tickets and My Tickets, with fans encouraged to secure them early. They are retailing at Sh1,000 terraces, Sh10,000 VIP and Sh20,000 VVIP.
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