Match Report: Africa efFootball Championship
Kenya’s eFootball mobile champion, Hanningtone Kiplagat, finished in the top 8 at the Africa eFootball Championship held from January 15-16,2025 in Casablanca, Morocco.
A Strong Opening in Group F
Kiplagat began his campaign in Group F with a tactical and disciplined approach. After an opening 0–0 draw against a resilient Zimbabwe, he delivered the performance of the group stages by dismantling Lesotho with a commanding 10–0 victory. Despite a narrow 1–2 loss to Mali in the final group fixture, Kiplagat secured second place in the group, ensuring his progression to the knockout stages.
Knockout Stage
In the Round of 16, Kiplagat faced a formidable challenge from Ghana. Showing maturity beyond his years, he navigated a high-pressure match to emerge with a 2–1 win, advancing to the final eight.
"Representing Kenya on this stage for the first time was a dream come true. Facing Africa’s top seed in the quarter-finals was a massive challenge, and while the 1–2 loss is tough to take, I’ve proven that I can compete at the highest level. As an IT student and a player, this journey has taught me so much about focus and resilience. I’m proud of my top 8 finish, and this is only the beginning of my journey for Kenya.”
His journey reached a climax in the quarter-finals, where he faced the tournament’s host and Africa’s top-ranked player from Morocco. In a tightly contested battle that showcased the highest level of mobile eFootball, Kiplagat narrowly lost 1–2. The Moroccan champion eventually went on to win the tournament, defeating Ivory Coast 4–3 on penalties in a thrilling final.
Kiplagat’s performance in Casablanca is a testament to the growth of the esports scene in Kenya," said Esports Kenya President Ronny Lusigii. "To reach the quarter-finals and push the continent’s top-ranked player to the limit on his international debut is an incredible achievement. We are immensely proud of his representation of the national colors.
"Kiplagat’s performance in Casablanca is a testament to the growth of the esports scene in Kenya"
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group F | Zimbabwe | 0–0 (D) |
| Group F | Lesotho | 10–0 (W) |
| Group F | Mali | 1–2 (L) |
| Round of 16 | Ghana | 2–1 (W) |
| Quarter-Final | Morocco | 1–2 (L) |
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