Kenya, May 8 -- President William Ruto's fervent prayers for Arsenal Football Club to win the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) were left unanswered as the Gunners fell short in their semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Wednesday, May 7.

Ruto, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, had publicly backed the team to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second leg and lift the coveted trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Ruto expressed his hopes during a ceremonial reception of the UCL trophy at State House Nairobi on May 2, part of the 2025 Heineken Trophy Tour.

"I am an Arsenal supporter, and I hope they overturn the 1-0 loss to PSG this week in Paris and advance to the finals to hopefully lift this trophy," he declared, adding, "Since I am the last to hold it, I am praying for my team."

The event, attended by football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger, marked the trophy's first return to Kenya in 13 years, sparking excitement among local fans.

However, Arsenal's dreams were dashed at the Parc des Princes, where PSG secured a 2-1 victory, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate win. Ousmane Dembele, who scored in the first leg, proved decisive again, while Arsenal's late response was not enough to turn the tide.

The result sent PSG to the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan, set for May 31 at Munich's Allianz Arena.

Posts on X captured the disappointment among Kenyan Arsenal fans, with some, like @Goddie_Ke, noting, "Arsenal Kicked out of Champions League Despite Ruto's Prayer."

Others reflected on the irony of Ruto's optimism, given Arsenal's historical struggles in the competition, having reached the final only once in 2006.

Ruto's support had galvanized local football enthusiasts, with many hoping his blessings would propel Arsenal to glory.

The President, who has often spoken of football's unifying power, also used the occasion to reaffirm his government's commitment to nurturing Kenyan talent through initiatives like Talanta Hela.

Yet, as Arsenal's campaign ended, attention now shifts to the Harambee Stars and local football development, with Ruto's call for grassroots investment echoing louder than ever.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.