Football Fever

---

It’s the village cup final and MK60,000 is at stake. Everyone is excited as hundreds arrive in Cape McClear. It’s the biggest event of the year, and a real honor to be invited by the local village chief.

The referee draws a line in the dust representing the half-way point while the entire village descends on the dusty landscape forming the human sideline of a football pitch.

While the goal posts are made of bamboo, the lines men are armed with sticks to beat back the crowd in an effort to maintain the lines as the drama unfolds.

As the start whistle is blown, supporters from both sides begin to sing and dance. During each tackle plumes of dust are thrown into the atmosphere while a fast game of football and skill unfolds.

Neither side takes any premier league dives. The game is rough and fast with dirty tackles and injuries. As the opposition scores its first goal, the entire dust bowl erupts.

Complete chaos unveils as the pitch gets invaded. Dust is thrown into the air like fireworks in the sky while children do backflips in celebration. The ref blows his whistle to maintain order while players are lifted into the air.

As spectators recreate the sidelines, supporters of the opposition do a victory jog around the pitch. Home supporters shout abuse while others throw dust in their faces.

While the mzungus sit on the roof looking on in amazement, the home team scores an equalizer causing the entire place to erupt again.

Its 1-1 and the atmosphere is tense. The players look exhausted relieved to hear half time. A human gate opens as the team leaves the pitch and discusses strategy under a tree.

While everyone eagerly awaits the second half, goats and cyclists cross the pitch. Women readjust babies strapped to their back while children kick around improvised rubber footballs.

The second half gets quickly underway as both sides manage a goal within the first 10 minutes. After many missed opportunities, full time is drawn to a close at 2-2.

As the sun begins to set, extra time is played out. While both sides do well, a penalty shootout was clearly in sight

As darkness begins to fall, everyone crowds around the goal and striker. The supporters inadvertently creating a runway, ensuring the striker can not miss the goal.

When the penalty shootout begins the sun sets, descending the pitch into darkness. Without the luxury of electricity or flood lights, the referee calls the game to a draw, neither village leader loosing their bet.

The final score 2-2.

** Select the video clips above.
** More photos below.

---

Photos

A Game Of Skill?
Cape McClear Players

No Foul Given!
Dont often see tackles like this in the premier league!

Celebration Madness
Home team score their first goal

Away Team Goal
Supporters Behind The Goal

The Dusty Game
Dust rises from the football pitch

Mzungu In The Crowd
Me sitting with the home team supporters

Half Time Cyclist
Pitch invasion at half time

Human Lines
The Human lines of the football pitch

Dusty Foul
Another player bites the dust

Foot in face!
No foul given - again!

Celebration Insanity
Home team score their second goal

The Dusty Sunset
As the sun goes down the game goes on!

Penalty Shootout Madness
The crowd gathers around the goal. Penalty shootout taken in the dark!