Today, Gomo Tong FC lost to Finald, 3-2 -- goals were scored by Ojok Hannington and Dennis Opio.

In the evening, Gomo Tong FC defeated Chile, 4-2. Gomo Tong now stands with record of 6 wins and 6 loses.

The highlight of today, however, was the appearance of Archbishop Desmod Tutu who spoke to the capacity crowd. Gomo Tong FC team member, Auma Zainabu, was selected from the Ugandan team to greet Mr. Tutu, and also handed him a Gomo Tong FC t-shirt.

It was a difficult afternoon for Gomo Tong FC who fell to Germany 6-3. Goals were scored by Ojok Hannington, Mambo and Opio.


"Gomo Tong FC pose for a photo with Team Germany"

In a heart-breaker, Ireland defeated Gomo Tong FC in a penalty shoot-out after the game was tied 2-2. Scoring for Gomo Tong was Ojok Hannington.

Lamex Lambert stopped 3 straight penalty shot attempts for Gomo Tong FC, but Gomo Tong was unable to knock in a penalty shot to take the victory. After three players from each side failed to score on penatly shots, Ireland's 4th attempt was netted. Gomo Tong had one final attempt, but the keeper stopped the attempt.

Gomo Tong FC is still in the running for 3rd place and looks forward to making up with a few wins tomorrow on it's quest for the 3rd place trophy.

Gomo Tong continued their win streak to 3 games, and lifted their record 5-3 after defeating the French. Goals were scored by Simon Mwaka, and Ojok Hannington. Auma Zainabu, one of the excellent female members of Gomo Tong played tenacious defense during the second half. Her in your face defense resulted in the ejection of one of France's players mid-way through the second half. France was then forced to play with only 2 players.

Next up for Gomo Tong is Germany at 2pm. And Ireland this evening at 6pm.

Jeremy

In a challenging match versus Finland late this afternoon Gomo Tong won a thriller in extended play, 1-0 in the penalty shoot out. After regulation the score was tied 2-2. The game also marked a ground-breaking event when Coach Ssemakula started Sarah Angwech one of 3 female members with Gomo Tong in Cape Town.

A heroic display of goal-keeping was admired by the crowd, when Lamex Lambert blocked 3 consecutive Finland penalty attempts. For Gomo Tong, Mambo netted the lone penalty shot that brought the Ugandan bench to its feet as is stormed the field to celebrate the victory.

Next up for Gomo Tong tomorrow are three of Europe's most talented HWC football clubs: France, Germany and Ireland. Should be another exciting day at the Homeless World Cup.

Gomo Tong's record now stands at 4 wins and 3 loses, as it racks up points on-route to the 3rd place championship trophy.

It was a fast and furious game between East and West Africa this afternoon, and Gomo Tong defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 6-2. After Ghana scored first, Ojok Hannington continued his flurry of goal scoring by firing back with 2 goals to put Gomo Tong up 2-1 at half-time.

The second half was all Mambo, the talented young player scored 4 goals in under 7 minutes in the second half.

Spirts and morale were very high and Gomo Tong now looks forward to its match-up at 4pm versus Finland.


"Uganda and Ghana pose for a pre-game photo"



"Joseph Kaliisa relaxes after a cool victory over Ghana"

England defeated Gomo Tong FC this evening 7-2. In a game that was intense and unfortunately poorly officiated, Gomo Tong FC is now in the running for the 3rd Place Trophy. Goals were scored by Gomo Tong FC by Ojok Hannington, and Mambo Bosco, the youngest member of Gomo Tong.

From Cape Town.
Jeremy

Gomo Tong FC opened the Pool Stage of the Homeless World Cup this morning versus Kazahkstan. The team suffered a 9-3 loss versus a well-fueled and skilled team. Gomo Tong now awaits the loser of the England v. Russia match which takes place later this afternoon.
Should Gomo Tong win this evening they would move into the next part of the Pool Stage.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Jeremy

Gomo Tong FC was handed it's first defeat this evening to Russia, 5-0. Under wet conditions and the dark evening sky Russia played a remarkably great game. However, once again goal-keeper, Lamex Lambert, blocked a aresenal of shots on goal. His aggresive play was the high-light of the action for Gomo Tong FC. Morale is still up and with a 2-1 record, Gomo Tong FC has already put Uganda on the map at the Homeless World Cup.

The great news is that Gomo Tong FC has qualified for the second round and will play tomorrow morning at 10am versus a team yet to be determined.

Dateline Cape Town:
September 25, 2006

Though the morning started off slowly in the Cape with rain and cool breezes, GOMO TONG FC defeated Switzerland in the afternoon 5-3. A remarkable game was played by Gomo Tong FC keeper, Lamex Lambert whose performance kept Gomo Tong FC undefeated in tournament play.

This evening, Gomo Tong FC squares off versus Russia at 8:20pm which should be Gomo Tong's most difficult contest yet. The winner this evening will place 1st in Group L, but both teams (Russia and Gomo Tong) have already advanced to the next round of tournament play.

From Cape Town,
Jeremy

The first selection of Gomo Tong FC in Cape Towh, September 24, 2006


"Gomo Tong FC poses for a photo before "The March" to the Grand Parade for the opening ceremonies and first day of match play"



"A Ball Can Change the World" -- GYPA Country Director, Joseph Kaliisa Enjoying a beautiful day in Cape Town



"Gomo Tong FC Greets the Homeless World Cup"



"A View from inside the Grand Parade Stadium in the Center of Cape Town"


Stay tuned for photos from Gomo Tong FC matches versus Estonia, Switzerland and Russia.

All photos are the property and copyrighted to Global Youth Partnership for Africa. Use of this photos is not permitted without express written consent.

From the start of the match Gomo Tong FC controlled the pace... coming out with a convincing "W" over Estonia 9-3. Coach Ssemakula's starting line-up included: Hannington Ojok, Dennis Opio, Joshua-Joseph Ochieng and Lamex Lambart at keeper.

By halftime, Gomo Tong FC was up 4-1 with the crowd energized under lights of the Grand Parade at Cape Town night. Late in the second half Auma Zainabu, one of the members of Girls Kick It! entered the game and exhibited a flurry of defensive excellence leading to a goal by Gomo Tong FCs youngest player (at 17 years) Mambo Bosco.

Tomorrow, Gomo Tong FC faces off against:
Switzerland at 1:20pm
Russia at 5:45pm

Point of interest....Switzerland, lost to Russia today after the game was ended due to "foul play" by both sides.

Morale is high and the team is ready for the face off with the remaining two teams in their bracket.

In other Homeless World Cup news, South Africa opened up the HWC with a victory over Chile, Namibia defeated Italy, the two-time defending champions, England, Ireland, Kenya, Ghana, and Portugal were some of the other teams who came up victorious.

Stay tuned for more news from Cape Town tomorrow.

Jeremy

Late last evening Gomo Tong FC representing Uganda, arrived Cape Town International Airport. Though the endured nearly 6 hours of travel, 3 airports, and the first time flying for the entire group the arrived wide-eyed and happy to be in South Africa.

Upon arrival to their accommodations at Rafalgar High School the team learned that they drew Group L, with Russia, Switzerland, and Estonia. Tomorrow evening, September 24, Gomo Tong FC faces off against Estonia at 6pm. Stay tuned for blog posts tomorrow.

This morning all of 48 teams participating in the Homeless World Cup filled the stands at the Main Pitch Opening at the Grand Parade in Cape Town. The Grand Parade was the site of major anti-apartheid protests and Nelson Mandela's first speech after his release from prison. To read the text of Mandela's inauguration speech at the Grand Parade click here: http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/mandela/1994/inaugct.html

The wave of colors and flags adorned the bodies and stands of participating players from Finland, Cameroon, United States, Chile, Mexico -- and the chants in native languages sent a wave of positive energy though the crowd. Like the feel of the World Cup, the crowed danced, hollered, shook hands and bridged the regional, national and global divides through the idea the "A Ball Can Change the World." It was a beautiful spectacle at the historic site that stands for freedom, peace and brotherhood.

Gomo Tong FCs friend and generous donor, Kevin Carroll, provided an inspirational presentation on the main pitch follwed by giving every player a copy of his critically acclaimed book "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball."

In the afternoon, all coaches attended the Anti-Racism Conference organized by the international players union, FIFPro and Euseblo Ferreira Da Silva one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Finally a beautiful day (did I mention the weather was a perfect 75 degrees) was capped off by an event hosted by the Mayor of Cape Town at the Cape Town Civic Center. And, again, was followed by more dancing -- the Ugandan team stole the dance floor -- dance, another universal language, was shared. The vibrant young Ugandan women (Sara, Auma and Carol) taught players from Hong Kong, Europe and the US how to shake your hips like only Ugandans do.

Good Night from Cape Town,
Jeremy

Beginning September 23 and running through October 1 check the GYPA blog for updates on Gomo Tong's FC experiences at the Homeless World Cup.

In the coming weeks GYPA will announce and begin to recruit students for the January 2007 Youth Summits. Applications will be available via-our website.

Stay tuned!

8 players, 2 coaches, 2 peace ambassadors and 2 GYPA staff will head to Cape Town for the Homeless World Cup on Thursday, September 21. Stay tuned to the GYPA website for information and blog entires throughout the tournament (September 22 - October 1).

For information about the Homeless World Cup visit: www.homelessworldcup.org