Paul Were’s second half goal earned Kenya slim 1-0 win over Liberia in Tuesday’s international friendly at Kasarani stadium, Nairobi.
The win was “Harambee Stars’” second in two days after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Mozambique in another friendly at the same venue.
Stars who have now gone eight matches unbeaten under coach Stanley Okumbi bossed the proceedings – creating countless scoring chances, but were profligate in front of goal.
Liberia keeper Tony Songo was the busier of the two, and was forced to parry over Eric Johanna’s stinging shot in the 38th minute, and two minutes later survived Michael Olunga’s thunderbolt that missed target by a whisker.
In the second half, Okumbi introduced three players – pulling out Victor Wanyama, Abud Omar and Jockins Atudo for Teddy Akumu, Eric Ouma and Anthony Mbugua with positive effects.
Were beat the Lone Star’s off-side trap after combining well with Johanna and Jesse Were for the opener in the 53rd minute. The goal stood despite protests from the visitors’ technical bench and players.
Antony Laffor came close to a leveler for the coach James Debbah’s side – beating his marker only to fire off the mark with only keeper Boniface Oluoch at his mercy.
Kenya’s push for further goals did not bare fruits. They would endure sustained late pressure from the West Africans, but the defense stood tall as the match ended 1-0.
The two sides were meeting for the third time since 1989 Italy World Cup qualifiers in which Kenya won both legs.
