Overzealous fan runs into the field to hug England and Everton’s forward Wayne Rooney
The national stadium in Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam on Thursday evening saw close to 50,000 fans who came to witness English Premier League side Everton playing against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in a pre-season friendly.
The Everton team was star-studded with the main attraction being former Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney who returned to the Merseyside club after 17 years, having left United after a trophy laden career.
His every touch on the ball saw the enthusiastic fans cheer.
And 20 minutes into the match, an overzealous fan raced into the pitch just to hug the former United man. The man wearing a Manchester United jersey evaded security officials long enough to reach the England striker.
Wayne Rooney marked his return to childhood club with a spectacular goal in the 2-1 win over the Kenyan side.
Rooney received a pass from Ademola Lookman, who had dribbled past several players of the Gor Mahia before laying the ball to Rooney. He turned around and struck a powerful shot from distance that flew into the net.
It was reminiscent of his first goal for the club against Arsenal just shy of his 17th birthday.
At the post-match news conference, Everton coach Ronald Koeman said the striker is one of the best players in his position and he’s hoping Rooney will bring a winning mentality to the team.
As early as 2pm East African time, the lower stands were almost full; everyone wanted to be as close to the action as possible. Outside, long queues had already started forming four hours to kick off as fans patiently waited to get in and witness the action.
The team was greeted with a rapturous welcome and the crescendo grew into deafening decibels when they got to the corner of the pitch where Everton would be warming up.
“The reception has been amazing, the match day itself was great and we thank the people of Tanzania for according us such kindness,” Koeman commented after the match.
