Kenya’s Harambee Stars fell 0-1 to visiting Mozambique Mambas the defeat was the first for head coach Francis Kimanzi .
A second-half strike by Canhembe Amancio was enough to give the visitors their first win in four attempts against Harambee Stars.
The hosts were aiming at getting an early goal, trying to push from the onset. A perfect opportunity for Stars came in the 13th minute when Victor Wanyama found Michael Olunga in a good position, but the striker shot over the bar.
Moments later, the striker was denied by the custodian after stealing the ball from Siddique Musagi. The ball was put out for a corner which, unfortunately, bore no fruits.
Harambee Stars continued to press for an opener as Mozambique took time to settle. In the 25th minute,Gor Mahia skipper Kenneth Muguna received the ball in a good area, controlled it but his shot was too weak.
Os Mambas got a perfect opportunity to score in the 28th minute when the host’s defence split open. However, poor communication between Quembo Witiness and Artur Reginaldo cost them.
Goalkeeper Julio Pedro made a good save in the 37th minute to deny Olunga who was certain to score after a good cross from the right.
The visitors could have scored a goal in the last few minutes of the first half, but Pelembe Elias and Kambala Manuel failed to take their chances with the goalkeeper well beaten.
In the 52nd minute, Duke Abuya was well fed in the danger zone by Samuel Olwande but the former was denied by the custodian who made a perfect stop at the right time.
The visitors finally got an opening goal in the 62nd minute courtesy of Canhembe Amancio who danced past the defenders before finding the back of the net.
In the 75th minute, substitute Jesse Were could have scored an equalizer but his effort narrowly missed the target.Harambee Stars Starting XI
1. Faruk Shikalo, 2. Samuel Olwande, 3. Eric Ouma, 15. Joseph Okumu, 4. Joash Onyango, 12. Victor Wanyama, 13. Lawrence Juma, 10. Kenneth Muguna, 16. Cliff Nyakeya, 11. Cliffton Miheso, 14. Michael Olunga
Substitutes
18. Ian Otieno, 23. Timothy Odhiambo, 5. Harun Shakava, 20. Yusuf Mainge, 17. Jesse Were, 6 Teddy Akumu, 19. Hillary Wandera, 7.Whyvonne Isuza, 21. Abdallah Hassan, 8. Duke Abuya, 9. Enosh Ochieng, 22. Bernard Ochieng,
Mozambique Starting XI
Julio Pedro Frenque, 12. Pelembe Elias Gaspar,7. Mussagi Sidique,4. Muchanga Francisco,14.Junoor Zainadine,3. Edmilson Gabriel,8. Ernesto Mercelino,16. Kambala Manuel,6. Quembo Witiness,19. Miquissone Luis Jose,11. Reginaldo Fait Artur,9.
Substitutes
Ventura Jose,1. Matola Infren,2. Mussage Papaito,10. Mandava Reinildo,17. Canhembe Amancio,15. Cumbane Kama-Kamo,18. Catamo Grny Cipriano,20. Ferandes Manuel,13.
