Visiting Sudan held ten-man Kenya to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Tuesday; away in Harare, host Zimbabwe humbled Uganda 2-0 at Rufaro Stadium.
Kenya fielded a fresh squad from the one which produced a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in another build up tie at the same venue on Sunday, as head Coach Stanley Okumbi sort to gauge his entire squad.
In goal was Tusker keeper David Okello with youngsters Eric Ouma of Gor Mahia and Joseph Okumu of Chemelil FC being handed senior caps in defense – Okumu partnered Brian Mandela in central defense as Musa Muhammad and Eric manned the full back positions.
Sportpesa Premier League leading goal scorer Wycliffe Ochomo of Muhuroni Youth was landed a maiden starting berth, and should have scored the opener but his effort early in the match was ruled offside.
Nazar Hamid put the visitors in the lead twenty four minutes into the game against a run of play, a scoreline which stood into the interval.
Second half substitute Francis Kahata was sent off for second bookable offense on the 90th minute, however the Harambee Stars showed resilience and equalized in stoppage time through Mandela header from Victor Ali Abondo freekick.
Stars’ focus now shifts to Sunday’s AFCON 2017 Qualifier second leg match against visiting Congo Brazaville.
Zimbabwe 2-0 Uganda
In Harare, a brace from Tennage Hadebe in the first stanza served Uganda Cranes a rude awakening as they proceed to Botswana for a must win AFCON 2017 Qualifier against the host on Saturday.
Like Stanlely, Cranes Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic presented a diluted side, with regulars; keeper Dannis Onyango, Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje and Joseph Ochaya all starting from the bench.
Wader Bremen’s Lorenzen Melvyn was handed his first cap. Tennage grabbed an early lead for the Southern Africans with just three minutes gone before doubling the lead two minutes after the half hour mark; Cranes couldn’t find a reply as the match ended 2-0 in favor of the host.
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