Kenya on Sunday thrashed Ethiopia 3-0 in their return leg match in the AFCON qualifiers at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi,Kenya hence consolidating their stranglehold at the top of Group F with seven points.

The win now keeps alive Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the continental tournament for the first time since the country last made an appearance at the tourney in 2004.

Michael Olunga opened the scoring for the Harambee Stars in the 23rd minute with a powerful left foot shot from just outside the box after receiving a pass from Erick Johanna.

The outstanding Johanna then extended Kenya’s lead four minutes later in the 27th minute.

Kenya kept threatening and showing dominance over its opponents as the 60,000 capacity stadium roared wildly.

Olunga came close to extending Kenya’s lead in the 54th minute but he failed to capitalize and a defensive mistake as the ball was cleared away from his foot.

But moments later, captain Victor Wanyama made it three nil from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after Johanna was brought down in the box.

Dennis Odhiambo almost made it 4-nil in the 86th minute after being set up by Ismael Gonzalez just outside the box but he flew the ball over the bar with Ethiopian custodian Samson Asefa beaten.

Olunga again missed a clear cut chance to register a brace in the 90th minute but he had a touch too many at the goal mouth and ended up putting the ball wide with a feeble touch.

The win now guarantees the Harambee Stars a  Sh50 million that was promised by Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto on Friday.

Kenya will next meet Ghana away in Accra before facing Sierra Leone at home in Nairobi.