By Ernest Ndunda in Kampala

Harambee Stars proved their critics wrong even back at home when they pulled a dramatic 1-0 victory over Malawi to qualify for the semi-finals of the Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge at Nelson Mandela Namboole Stadium last evening.

The win was an improved performance for Kenya that had been eliminated in the first round in the last two editions.

Kenya now face Zanzibar in the semi-finals tomorrow. Zanzibar eliminated Burundi 6-5 on post-match penalties to go through to the semi-finals. The last?quarter-final match was to be played later last evening between defending champions Uganda and Ethiopia at the same venue.

Kenya started the match a stronger side and Rama Salim and Clifton Miheso sould have given Kenya the opening goal.

Miheso dribbled past defender Steve Changoma and passed the ball to Salim, but he fumbled with the ball in front of the defence.

Two minutes later, Malawi’s chance came, but Josephy Kamwendo’s well-taken free kick slightly went past towering Kenyan goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng’.

In the 21st minute, Kenyan fans, most of them students studying in different institutions in Kampala, watched in disbelief as captain Anthony Kimani’s header flew over the cross bar.

Coach James Nandwa had to bring in Mike Baraza after Bernard Mang’oli picked an injury in the 40th minute.

Somehow, the first half was an evenly balanced affair as the score stood at 0-0 at the break.

Kenya were more energised after coach Nandwa talked to the players and the dressing room in the opening minutes of the second half.

The Malawians disorganised Kenya’s one touch system with long balls thus forcing the Kenyans to run all over the pitch.

Malawian coach Kinnah Phiri injected fresh life into the game by brining in Innocent Bokosi for Miciam Phone.

It was in the 58th minute when Baraza turned from a ball provider to a poacher, scoring the first and deserved goal which sent Kenyan fans into prolonged celebrations as they chanted haki yetu haki yetu (our rights our rights).

Coach Nandwa appeared not satisfied with the lone goal and could not sit on his seat as he kept on instructing his boys form the touchline time and again.

Rama could have put the match to an end in the 78th minute after he was given a fine pass by Baraza outside the box but volleyed wide.

Anthony Njenga, who has been in the starting list, came in for Clifton Miheso in the 80th minute as the clock ticked.

In the last five minutes, Kenya was on the receiving end as the Malawians mounted pressure to put the match at level. Kariobangi Sharks new call-up Patillah Omotto made his debut after he?replaced?Rama in the closing minutes of the match officiated by Tanzania referee Israel Mujuni

Coach Nandwa was happy with the win and said he was ready for Zanzibar, while his Malawian counterpart conceded defeat and wished Kenya best of luck in the subsequent remaining matches.

Football Kenya Federation representatives at the match Hussein Terry and Robert Asembo hailed Harambee Stars for the victory.

?Line up: Kenya: Duncan Ochieng’, Anthony Kimani, Joackins Atudo, David Odhiambo, Abdallah Juma, David Ochieng’, Bernard Mang’oli, Humprey Mieno, Clifton Miheso, Rama Salim, Edwin Lavatsa.

Malawi: Charles Swini, Steve Changoma, Moses Chavula,Foster Namwera, John Lanjesi, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Miciam Mhone, Josephy Kamwendo, Chimango Kayira, Rodrick Gonani, Chiukepo Mosowoya.

 


 

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