Season › 2017-18 › News
Everton win first pre-season game in Dar-es-Salaam
Gor Mahia 1 - 2 Everton
Everton won the first game of pre-season against the SportPesa Super Cup winners in Dar-es-Salaam, with brilliant goals from Wayne Rooney and Kieran Dowell.
Ronald Koeman choose from a squad of 25 and select Wayne Rooney for his first game since returning to his boyhood club. Two new signings made their first starts the Blues, as Davvy Klaassen and Wayne Rooney were named in the first-half line-up.
Rooney kicked off for Everton a little behind schedule after lots of photos, but no coverage for Blues watching online as the stream from the stadium was down.
Rooney came close in the opening minutes but the ball was scrambled away. The Blues, playing in their light grey second strip were a little sluggish and sloppy as the game got going.
Everton got a free-kick but Rooney overhit it harmlessly through to the keeper.
After nearly 40 minutes of relatively slow play, a stunning goal from Wayne Rooney, who picked the ball up 30 yards from goal, turned and picked out the top left corner with consummate ease, a little reminiscent of that goal against Arsenal at Goodison Park all those years ago! But 2 mins later it was 1-1 as Meddie Kagere powered in a header from a corner.
After changing out the 11 after half-time, Everton looked more lively in attack, Kieran Dowell finally finding the net after numerous attempts had been thwarted by some excellent last-ditch goalkeeping for the Kenyans.
Everton (1st half): Stekelenburg, Kenny, Connolly, Jagielka, Williams, Schneiderlin, McCarthy, Lennon, Klaassen, Lookman, Rooney.
Everton (2nd half): Hewelt, Pennington, Baines, Keane, Besic, Barry, Gana, Davies, Dowell, Mirallas, Calvert-Lewin.
Gor Mahia: O Bonface (Onyango); Nizigiyimana, Haron, Mohamed, Godfrey, Ernest, E Bonface, Kenneth, Kagere, Jacques, Georgeick
Reader Comments (115)
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2 Posted 13/07/2017 at 14:42:13
3 Posted 13/07/2017 at 14:45:52
4 Posted 13/07/2017 at 14:46:03
Nice to see Aaron Lennon starting, too.
5 Posted 13/07/2017 at 14:53:13
I don't expect miracles, but want to see a more cohesive team.
6 Posted 13/07/2017 at 14:55:47
7 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:03:42
8 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:05:26
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9 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:07:14
10 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:09:57
11 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:15:15
Tried several times.
It is to be hoped they get this lot sorted before the season starts.
12 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:16:52
13 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:18:05
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EDIT - now I've logged in, and I'm in a 'waiting room'...
14 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:20:00
15 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:20:45
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16 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:29:21
17 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:31:28
18 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:40:09
19 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:40:41
20 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:43:08
21 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:49:33
22 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:54:15
23 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:57:55
Dozy marking for their equaliser from a corner, but a well placed angled header.
24 Posted 13/07/2017 at 15:58:10
Nice goal by Rooney!!!
25 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:13:41
26 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:15:27
Hewelt, Pennington, Baines, Keane, Besic, Barry, Gana, Davies, Dowell, Mirallas, Calvert-Lewin.
Interestingly, Besic is playing centre back alongside Keane. And bringing the ball out well in the early stages of the 2nd half.
27 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:22:04
28 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:31:31
29 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:32:08
Lukaku is trying to control the ball in his training sessions in LA, the United players are getting to know the new boy.
30 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:42:26
Pretty sure that I just saw one of his 'controls' bounce past my window here in Somerset!
31 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:43:01
32 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:44:55
33 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:46:45
Nice ball into him by Tom Davies, but all Kieran's work after that. Great turn, great touch to set up a thumping strike.
34 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:49:10
35 Posted 13/07/2017 at 16:58:07
36 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:01:25
37 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:01:32
38 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:03:05
39 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:09:08
40 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:09:26
"thwarted by some excellent last-ditch goalkeeping by the Kenyans".
No wonder we only scored 2 goals if they had more than one goalkeeper ;-)
It is only pre-season for us all. :-)
41 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:09:54
Like others, frustrated by the poor match link 1st half so can't comment much, but the 2nd half team looked really good.
Two cracking goals, but a poor one conceded.
42 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:10:22
Obviously it's only the first pre-season friendly but some promising signs particularly from the second half team. Gana, Tom Davies, Kieran Dowell and Mirallas were all bright and energetic, and there was some clever work from Calvert-Lewin. Also thought Besic and Barry were excellent, with Keane, Pennington and Baines all solid.
From what I caught of the first half, Klaassen looked a bit off the pace, and the shape of the team was not as effective at moving the ball or creating space as the second-half team. On balance, Gor Mahia shaded the first 45, while we dominated the second half.
On another note, I'd love us to sign a new left-back someone who has a bit more attacking abandon than the 32-year-old Leighton Baines. He has several good opportunities second half to either cross the ball or take on the defender and he seemed reticent to do it. Still a good player, but his attacking instincts are in decline and have been gradually falling off over the last couple of seasons.
43 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:11:45
44 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:21:03
45 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:22:39
Anyone know why Sandro didn't play? Maybe still getting over his Under-21 stint for Spain???
46 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:23:01
47 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:28:34
48 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:28:45
Also felt that generally the players all dealt pretty well with a pitch that wasn't easy to play on (especially considering what they are all used to these days).
49 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:29:21
50 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:30:00
Seems like I am living my life precisely 30 seconds behind yours!
51 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:32:52
Rooney's goal was alright, good to see him have a confidence boost but any top premier league keeper would have stopped that. Their goal was a good corner drill and we were on our heels.
They had a lot of pace to burn and were running circles around us; we were pushed into our own half for most of the first half.
Second half was quite the contrary to the first. Besic made runs from deep and was in complete confidence while on the ball. His mark on the field got the crowd going.
Gana was immense. Took over and controlled the midfield, played slick passes and was making crucial interceptions.
Keane was calm and composed, never pressured, nearly got an assist for Calvert-Lewin's goal but was incorrectly called offside.
Calvert-Lewin made an impression won a few 50-50's missed a one on one but was definitely a pest for the defenders who were constantly playing it out from the back.
Mirallas was good, played a one two with Dowell and set him up for a one-vs-one which Dowell missed. Otherwise a bit too much dribbling which didn't amount too much, needs a bit more movement off the ball too.
Baines lack of pace was showing but so was his experience and positioning. He was clearing and Tackling when needed.
Dowell played extremely well, unlucky to not score a hattrick. Set up Calvert-Lewin for a one on one which Calvert-Lewin miss controlled. hit the crossbar off a free kick which was squared on the ground towards him. scored a beauty a minute later.
Lookman, Gana, Besic, Dowell, McCarthy, Calvert-Lewin and Rooney all standout performers.
Also great to get a win in under our belt even if it's just pre-season.
53 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:36:41
54 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:39:06
I didn't see the game live, but have watch a few post-game YouTube clips. Rooney was quiet, didn't really do much, other than a 30 yard screamer of a goal. If that is the kind of contribution he will give this season, that's good enough for me. Anything more than 10 goals and I will be happy. 15 and I will be ecstatic.
It will be interesting to see the team of first-half performers alongside the second-half performers. I am really excited about the season that is only a few weeks away from starting. COYB
55 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:41:51
56 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:44:38
ps: Had to laugh when the interviewer asked him a question and Dowell said "Wha' was tha'?" He asked again and Dowell just described his goal because he didn't get it again! Priceless!
57 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:45:11
58 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:49:29
59 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:53:29
60 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:56:32
61 Posted 13/07/2017 at 17:57:51
I think once up to speed, we will not be worry too much about where our 55 goals a season are going to come from.
62 Posted 13/07/2017 at 18:08:48
63 Posted 13/07/2017 at 18:09:14
64 Posted 13/07/2017 at 18:25:36
Still don't think we need to sign a winger. Got one.
65 Posted 13/07/2017 at 18:27:43
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/everton/story/3157367/wayne-rooney-scores-stunner-in-first-friendly-back-with-everton
If he does this a few times this season, I'll be more than happy.
66 Posted 13/07/2017 at 18:50:05
I thought Schneiderlin and Klaassen looked well off the pace.
Two fabulous goals but one for them was disgraceful defending.
67 Posted 13/07/2017 at 18:51:44
68 Posted 13/07/2017 at 19:06:03
69 Posted 13/07/2017 at 19:34:08
70 Posted 13/07/2017 at 19:40:14
Good second half where all played well but a special mention for Gareth Barry, what a class act. I think we are going places but we must be patient; it may not be this season.
71 Posted 13/07/2017 at 19:53:52
Went in to work with my son early today so we could finish in time to watch the game and nothing.
72 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:05:01
73 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:29:16
74 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:29:51
75 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:37:38
76 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:40:48
77 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:44:18
There were some really good performances today with Keane looking really composed in defence, Besic looked sharp bursting past players and Lookman did really well in the build up to Rooney's goal.
I would love to see Dowell get a run of games this season what a left foot! As you would expect a lot of the players looked very unfit. However there were a lot of positives to take from the match.
Really happy to see Rooney back in an Everton shirt! Hopefully a lot more goals to come from him too. Quite a few options now for Koeman. Let's hope he can manage to get the best out of this talented bunch of players.
78 Posted 13/07/2017 at 20:46:57
But the problems with getting the transmission going are really inexcusable if we are going to be that Big Club going forward. I know things can go tits up at the last minute, but really... Heads should roll!
79 Posted 13/07/2017 at 21:04:36
There are massives cries of hypocrite as I type, but Wayne's goal kinda helped. 😃
80 Posted 13/07/2017 at 21:11:51
The transmission issues were awful. I struggled to even log into the Everton TV site. When I did it asked me to pay for the game again. Managed to get through that but didn't get a picture until 60 minutes in, ironically by accounts the point in which we controlled the game and made chances.
١.33 (I got the 3 game package) for 30 minutes action. I wonder if they'll offer me anything. I'm still waiting for a response.
81 Posted 13/07/2017 at 21:23:37
82 Posted 13/07/2017 at 21:53:13
83 Posted 13/07/2017 at 21:53:19
Link4
84 Posted 13/07/2017 at 22:26:08
85 Posted 13/07/2017 at 22:46:05
There is always a place for class. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Kevin Sheedy at a lunch some years ago. He's a very pleasant guy. I teased him about taking a bit of stick from the crowd, he laughed and said, "A bit? It was loads, every week! But I never worried about it. I always knew I could hit one from 25 yards, or a free kick, or drop a cross onto someone's head. I never worried."
My opinion of Koeman is, first and foremost, he is a pragmatist but, after that, he wants to see class.
86 Posted 13/07/2017 at 22:49:01
But I am grateful for all the reports that fans have put on here.
Seems like we are still short in some areas A striker, centre back, Left back and a right-sided wide player needed.
87 Posted 13/07/2017 at 22:54:01
88 Posted 13/07/2017 at 23:35:36
89 Posted 14/07/2017 at 02:56:54
A big, big thank you from America for that link!
I couldn't watch the game or follow it work ya know so I logged on this evening to check the score and the TW reaction.
Clicked the link you posted and yelled to my 13- and 8-year-olds, "Boys! Rooney scored, come check this out!"
30-second ad for Fast and Furious number 562 GRRRRRRR
The highlight
All three of us simultaneously OHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Sick goal. Thanks for helping a roof in America get blown off. Appreciated.
90 Posted 14/07/2017 at 05:32:04
It's horrible, it looks like Rooney's wearing those old Everton PJs he's had for years and the colour's faded because Colleen has washed them too much but they used to be blue!
Come on, Kings new suit here! I love Everton but this kit is bleeding horrendous! Surely no-one has bought this! No-one has, have they?
91 Posted 14/07/2017 at 06:17:56
Same happened when Barry signed; happening again with Rooney before he even kicked a ball on his return he was assigned to the not for me too slow, past his best, we need To go forward not be a retirement home.
For me he looks a lot slimmer, didn't get over played last season which is a big bonus and will bust a gut to try and win silverware for Everton.
Let's get behind the player and any others Ronnie sees fit to sign, the doom and gloom is over, out with the deadwood and in with a balance of class/ youth and experience. Just a little patience needed, and trust who Ronnie sees fit to come, regardless of price.
92 Posted 14/07/2017 at 07:23:57
93 Posted 14/07/2017 at 08:35:28
BBC News (not BBC Sport) headline that Rooney mania grips Tazmania.
The countries vice president announce that he supported Man Utd because of Rooney but doesn't know what to do now he has joined Everton.
Oh and the boy scores a 30-yard belter.
Anyone still unsure about him signing?
94 Posted 14/07/2017 at 09:04:12
95 Posted 14/07/2017 at 09:13:08
96 Posted 14/07/2017 at 12:15:14
I was quite impressed by the players in the second half, Dowell deserves to be included again, a lot on here, dismiss Gareth Barry, but I think he is a great pro, and his reading of the game brilliant, pity you couldn't teach that to the younger lads.
I don't know what is happening from the official site as regards refund for link, which didn't work.
All in all, a good work out, and some good PR with the Kenyans and Tanzanians.
97 Posted 14/07/2017 at 12:17:48
98 Posted 14/07/2017 at 12:21:06
99 Posted 14/07/2017 at 14:12:06
100 Posted 14/07/2017 at 18:49:24
This time Rooney hit it but there will be times when he knocks the ball into the path of anyone of those three.
Exciting.
101 Posted 15/07/2017 at 01:11:27
102 Posted 15/07/2017 at 07:03:45
103 Posted 15/07/2017 at 08:53:13
104 Posted 15/07/2017 at 10:32:50
Appreciate also, that it affected many of us, I just hope the tech/IT dept has learned from the experience, so as not to repeat it.
105 Posted 15/07/2017 at 14:23:50
Me, living in the past? No Warrington.
106 Posted 15/07/2017 at 14:45:58
107 Posted 16/07/2017 at 00:25:56
Reported as 35,000 .
108 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:07:07
109 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:11:32
And then the import duty?
It doubles the price of a shirt.
110 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:11:34
111 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:20:07
112 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:44:56
Taking Bolasie on the trip was great for the club and no doubt great for the player.
113 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:45:29
I've been to Kenya a couple of times, as well as Tanzania. Driving through Mombasa and Nairobi you see loads of fake replica shirts, and even some of the local buses are covered in club crests. These are nothing to do with any club PR though, so it would be ideal to "get into the minds" of the younger generation.
http://longbikeride.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wpid-20141013-045856.jpg
114 Posted 16/07/2017 at 09:53:49
Yes, another good Mail article (not something I thought I would ever write). The potential is probably vast there I'm sure, in many markets. This is why Big Tobacco is busting a gut there for example and litigating enthusiastically.
It would be a great thing to do in an ethical way, if at all possible, but we may have an issue with our new sponsor perhaps.
What went on on that trip was great, and was good for everyone involved. It was arranged at very short notice, maybe at the behest of that sponsor.
It's something to build on I'm sure but we're not necessarily talking solely Football issues here.
We have great experience in community-based matters within the club. Maybe that will help.
I'm not disagreeing in any way with the premise about getting after the potential, just concerned about a few potential underlying issues, that hopefully the professionals now running the club already have covered.
115 Posted 16/07/2017 at 10:12:57
Same thing innit mate? Haha!
116 Posted 16/07/2017 at 10:54:02
Lukaku fails to score on debut for Manchester United.
Long may it continue!!!!
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1 Posted 13/07/2017 at 14:36:57
Shame its' not closer to home, as I bet Lennon would get a great reception.