A 16th minute Eric Johanna winner helped Harambee Stars edge out Mozambique 1-0 in a international friendly match played at the Safaricom Stadium,Nairobi on Saturday evening.
It was mission accomplished as Harambee Stars extended their good run in past four matches although they missed several excellent chances to take the game beyond Mozambique, who also wasted their share of opportunities.
The Harambee Stars just about shaded what was an entertaining and open first half, although it was the Mambas who enjoyed the upper hand initially.
In the fourth minute, the lively Jesse Were and impressive Michael Olunga nearly caught out Mambas keeper Jose Muimugo with a shot on the run from 10-yards out, before Jose Were saw his volley deflected just wide of goal two minutes later.
More chances followed Harambee Stars as Victor Wanyama horribly miscued an effort from just eight yards out, while Miheso had a shot blocked.
The pressure paid off for Harambee Stars in the 16th minute when Johanna,finishing of a flick from Olunga for a lovely goal.
Mozambique ‘s first real chance came on 28th minutes when Absou Manjate struck a thunderous free kick which was collected easily by keeper Bonface Oluoch
Minutes latter spurred Mozambique came back into action and they coming close to equalising five minutes later when Edwilson Dove had his close range shot at the back post somehow saved by Bonface Oluoch. The resultant set-piece ended with Reigualdo Faite having his header getting of target.
The second half went much the way of the first – both sides having plenty of moments in front of goal, but failing to find a clinical edge as chances were spurned.
Mozambique striker Joan Mussica was guilty of two missed chances, while at the other end, Michael Olunga and Jesse Were both wasted great chances, wanting far too much time with the goal beckoning in front of them.
The final 15 minutes of the match produced little goalmouth action, the match deteriorating into a stop-start affair as substitutions were made.
Hatambee Stars lineup: Boniface Oluoch (GK), David Owino, Brian Mandela, Joackins Atudo, Erick Ouma, Victor Wanyama, Anthony Akumu (Osborne Monday 76’), Eric Johanna, Cliff Miheso (Paul Were 46’), Michael Olunga, Jesse Were (Cavin Odongo 77’)
Unused Subs: David Okello (GK), Abud Omar, Simon Mbugua, Robinson Kamura, Harun Shakava, Amos Nondi, Amos Ekhalie, Victor Majid, , John Makwatta,
Mozambique Starting XI: Jose Guimugo (GK), 7. Elias Pelembe, 2. Bheu Januario, 3. Junior Lainddiwe, 8. Edwilson Dove, 9. Regiualdo Faite, 10. Absou manjate, 11. ClesioBaugue, 13. Laurengo Wamumua, 18. Joan Mussica
Subs: 12. Victor Timama, 4. Saoulomon Mandlave, 5. Salimo Musiata, 14. EliasMacamo, 15. Gito Hilario, 16. Dayo Antoine, 17. Geraldo, Matsiube,
