Everton striker Wayne Rooney praised Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia for their performance in the international club friendly played in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Thursday.
Rooney scored his first goal since returning to Everton from Manchester United after 35 minutes, netting a stunner from long range as the Toffees won 2-1 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Gor Mahia goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch had no chance of stopping Rooney's shot, but three minutes later Rwandan international Jacques Tuyisenge levelled matters with a well-timed header.
In the second half Everton continued to push ahead in search of a win, with Tom Davies running rings around the Gor Mahia team. Then after 81 minutes Kieran Dowell made it 2-1 for the English side when he finished off a Tom Davies pass.
"This has been a very wonderful match and we enjoyed facing a young team that displayed good football," said Rooney, who was glad to score again in blue.
Gor Mahia's new coach Dylan Kerr was a happy man after the game. "It was a good display despite our defeat to the English side," Kerr said.
Tuyisenge, the scorer of the Gor Mahia's goal, said despite the loss he was very excited to score against a big team like Everton. "We are not at the same level with Everton. Scoring against them is something I will never forget," added the Rwandan.
The preseason friendly was organised by betting company SportPesa, who are shirt sponsors for both Everton and Gor Mahia.