Kenyan footballers Amos Nondi and Alwyn Tera played pivotal roles in Ararat-Armenia’s dramatic 2-1 victory over West Armenia in a thrilling league match that keeps Ararat’s title ambitions well within reach.
The Kenyan duo’s involvement was instrumental in securing the win, with Nondi playing the full match at right-back, and Tera contributing in midfield before being subbed off in the 60th minute.
Their performances not only bolstered Ararat’s standing in the league but also enhance their chances of getting more minutes for Kenya in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon.
Ararat took the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful strike from Ghanaian forward Eric Ocansey. Despite controlling much of the first half, Ararat conceded an equalizer just before halftime, courtesy of a goal by West Armenia’s Zakhar Tarasenko. The second half was filled with tension as both teams sought to secure the crucial three points.
Amos Nondi, deployed at right-back, put in a solid defensive shift throughout the match. His composure under pressure and ability to support the attack when needed made him one of the standout performers for Ararat.
Nondi’s calm presence at the back helped his team weather several dangerous attacks from West Armenia, especially as the game became more intense in the closing stages.
Tera, meanwhile, was influential in the midfield, helping to control the tempo of the game. Although Tera was substituted in the 60th minute for Artur Serobyan, his contributions did not go unnoticed.
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His precise passing and ability to link play between defense and attack were key in keeping Ararat on the front foot for most of the game.
The substitution of Tera turned out to be a masterstroke, as Serobyan would later score the decisive goal. After being brought down in the box in stoppage time, Serobyan stepped up to convert a penalty, handing Ararat the lead and securing their fifth win of the season.
This victory takes Ararat to second place in the Armenian league standings with 15 points, just two behind league leaders Van, and with two matches in hand.
Ararat’s recent form has been impressive, with this win extending their unbeaten run to four matches. If they continue this streak, Ararat will have a strong chance of overtaking Van and pushing for the league title.
The match, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Ararat faced a significant hurdle when Alexis Rodriguez received a red card in the 89th minute, reducing them to 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ararat held their nerve and saw out the game, thanks in no small part to the leadership of Nondi at the back and Serobyan’s composed penalty.
The stellar performances of Amos Nondi and Alwyn Tera in this match will certainly strengthen their cases for inclusion in Kenya’s national team setup.
Kenya is set to face five-time African champions Cameroon twice next month in crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. With these performances fresh in the minds of the national team coaches, both players will be hoping to get significant playing time in these high-stakes matches.
Nondi has already made his mark in recent international appearances, featuring in Kenya’s last two qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
His ability to step up in crucial moments and his versatility make him a key asset for the Harambee Stars. In the match against Zimbabwe, Nondi came on as an early substitute and was solid throughout, and he played a full 90 minutes against Namibia.
Tera, meanwhile, is also looking to build on his previous national team experiences. He made a cameo appearance against Zimbabwe in what was his second competitive match for the Harambee Stars.
His performance at club level with Ararat, especially in a competitive league like Armenia’s, could be exactly what the national team needs as they prepare to face the indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Both Nondi and Tera have been integral parts of Ararat’s squad this season, and their influence was evident in the win over West Armenia.
Nondi’s defensive prowess and Tera’s midfield control are essential components of Ararat’s game plan, and their ability to perform consistently will be crucial as the team aims to climb to the top of the standings.
The involvement of Kenyan players in top leagues like Armenia’s is not only a positive reflection on their individual talents but also on the growing reputation of Kenyan footballers abroad.
Both players have proven that they can compete at a high level, and their successes are likely to inspire more Kenyan players to seek opportunities in foreign leagues.
