Estonia won 5-4 on penalties against Kenya in Fifa Series after the stars staged a comeback in the second half.
Estonia Jannes Tammick put the former Soviet union nation ahead in the 21st minute after a corner.
Estonia secured a place in the final of the FIFA Series mini-tournament after edging Kenya 5-4 in a dramatic post-match penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Amahoro Stadium.
In what marked the opening fixture of the newly-introduced FIFA Series international friendlies, both nations approached the encounter with clear intent, seeking victory to boost their FIFA rankings in the four-team competition, that also features hosts Rwanda and Grenada.
Their persistence paid off minutes later when Joonas Tammik powered home a header from Alex Matthias Männilaan’s cross to hand the Europeans a deserved lead just past the quarter-hour mark.
Kenya responded with urgency and Ryan Ogam then found the net in the 51st minute after Zeck Obiero pass inside the box.
The forward had another golden opportunity midway through the half, but saw his low drive comfortably gathered by Rauno Sappinen in goal.
Further chances fell Kenya’s way, with William Lenkupae narrowly missing the target with a header, while Ochieng thought he had equalized late in the half, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Ogam then struck the woodwork in the closing minutes, as Estonia went into the break holding a slender advantage.
Kenya pushed for a winner, with Obiero and substitute Lawrence Okoth both going close, while Austin Odhiambo also tested the Estonian defense with a late effort that drifted narrowly off target.
Estonia, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Joonas Tammik and substitute Sergei Yakovlev both threatening, but Kenya’s defense, marshaled by Aphonce Omija, held firm.
The teams then went straight to penalties and Estonia sailed through to the final where they will meet either Rwanda or Grenada.
Erko Jonne Tõugjas, Michael Schjønning-Larsen, Alex Matthias Tamm, Rauno Sappinen and Markus Soomets were on target for Estonia. Ian Otieno saved Ioan Yakovlev’s kick.
Kenya’s hopes were dented when Mohamed Bajaber missed his effort, and although Austin Odhiambo,Lawrence Ouma Chris Erambo and Ben Stanley kept the hosts in contention, the decisive moment came when Richard Odada’s attempted Panenka sailed over the bar, handing Estonia a 5-4 shootout victory.
Kenya through coach Benni Mc Cathy who is a EUFA Champions League winner under Jose Mourinho were looking to use the moment to prepare for Africa Cup of Nations where they are host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The Fifa Series that is used as international friendlies is now placing nations from different continents and lowly ranked teams in the Fifa rankings which would be used to keep teams that are out of world cup and other tournaments active.
