Biggest sporting disappointments of 2018
While some athletes carry good memories of 2018 into the New Year, others will be too happy to consign memories of 2018 into history.
Here are Nairobi News’ top picks for athletes and sporting teams to which the year 2018 has been a nightmare.
1. Germany national football team
A lot was expected from this team ahead of the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, but the side repaid all that with loads of disappointment. Heading into the tournament, Joachim Loew’s team were the defending champions. Instead, the side finished last in her group which also consisted of Sweden, Mexico and South Korea, losing two of their three matches at the tournament and getting bundled out at the group stage.
2. Mourinho’s sacking
Jose Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United following a series of under par performances by the club. Mourinho’s two and a half tenure at the club only yielded a Community Shield, Carabao Cup and a Europa League trophy which all fell short of the club’s lofty expecttaions. He stay at Old Trafford was made untenable following his dressing fallout with some senior players, most notably with World Cup winning French midfielder Paul Pogba.
3. Wanyama and Owino injuries
Harambee Stars are basking in the glory of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 15-years. This success has however been dampened by the recurrent injury of the team captain and his vice-captain. Victor Wanyama has barely played consistently for Tottenham in the English Premier League this season. Similarly, David Owino has struggled for game time at Zesco United in Zambia.
4. Gor Mahia’s continental setback
Gor Mahia curved out a small slice of history for themselves by making it into the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2018. But then the Kenyan champions blow the chance for a more historic feat when they failed to progress to the quarters finals of the competition after losing they last two group matches to Rwanda’s Rayon Sport and USM Alger of Algeria. For a team that had defeated South Africa’s SuperSport on aggregate to make it to this stage of the competition, Gor Mahia were tipped to come at least second in a group that also included Tanzanian giants Yanga. It didn’t happen.
