Harambee Stars restored Kenya’s pride by beating fancied Congo Brazzaville 2-1 in an AFCON 2017 Qualifier return leg at Moi Sports Center Kasarani on Sunday.
Two goals from Lierse’s Ayub Timbe and Mathare United’s Johanna Eric “Mapake” in each stanza were enough to create the moment of pride and hand Coach Stanley Okumbi his first win since joining the national team in February.
The result means fellow group “E” member Guinea Bissau are through to maiden Nations Cup in Gabon. Guinea tops the group with ten points, four more than second placed Congo Brazzaville as the qualifiers enter the last round in September.
Prince Oniangue got the visitors to a bright start with an 18th penalty after midfielder Gonzalez Ismael was adjudged to have elbowed opponent in the box. The lead lasted for only six minutes as winger Ayub Timbe picked along ball from keeper Boniface Oluoch, powered his way past the “Red Devils” defense before unleashing a scorcher for the leveler.
On return from the first interval, Congo looked to slow down the game knowing that a draw from Nairobi would be just fine, but Stars had other targets to fulfill.
Captain Victor Wanyama who had a good day out, picked Johanna with another long pass after noticing the defense was way off their line – and with a single tough, the youngster lobbed it over advancing Congo keeper for the winner in the 65th minute.
Like a wounded lion Congo swung into action pinning Kenya into their half in search of an equalizer, but it wasn’t to be as nothing materialized thereafter – Kenya defense marshaled by Musa Muhammad, Brian Mandela, Eric Ouma stood tall, managing to pocket dangerman Thievy Bifouma.
Kenya will finish the qualifiers away to Zambia with Congo Brazzaville hosting Guinea.
@bonfaceosano
