NO 'EL NINO OF GOALS' Frustrating draw on the back of 5-2 win in Mauritius for Kenya, but up come Cape Verde in 2018 World Cup qualifiers

HARAMBEE STARS vs MAURITIUS WORLD CUP QUALIFIER Kenya Harambee Stars and of Mauritius battle for ball possession during their World Cup qualifier at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 11/10/15. They draw 0-0. PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Kenyans were left frustrated despite Harambee Stars' qualification to the first round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers after a luckster performance in yesterday's barren draw with Mauritius at the Kasarani Stadium.

Harambee Stars created a host of chances, but their profligacy in front of goal cost them a double over Mauritius. Despite the draw, Kenya will now meet Cape Verde in the first round following their first leg 5-2 victory at Stade Anjalay.

"Honestly speaking, it was one sided game, they played behind the ball through out. We tried to score goals but hit the post a couple of times. Anyway, that's football," said Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson after the match.

"We are impressed with bravery of the boys. We tried to field young boys to get a break through but luck was not on our side."

Southampton midfielder and Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama was similarly disappointed with the result.

"We gave our best, but this was not our day. It will be a tough game against Cape Verde but with good preparations I believe anything is possible.The future is bright. It's up to federation to organise more friendlies for the team and results will keep on flowing," said Wanyama.

Kenya had a chance in the fourth minute, but Dennis Odhiambo's through pass was too fast for Michael Olunga before Francis Rasciofonirana cleared Eric Johanna's dangerous cross for fruitless corner.

In the ninth minute, Kenya earned indirect kick in the box after Mauritius goalkeeper Jean Louis Kevin handled a back pass in the box, but Victor Wanyama fluffed his shot.

In the 18th minute, Brian Mandela cleared Pithia Fabien's cross before Olunga danced through the visitors' defence but shot feebly direct into the goalkeeper's hands. Two minutes later, Olunga had a chance to break the deadlock but was dispossessed by the visitors' defender in the box.

Mandela was denied by the cross bar in the 36th minute from Johanna's free kick before Mauritius launched a counter attack but Bonface Oluoch saved Bru Kevin's attempt on a one on-one situation.

Kenya could have gone to the lockers leading, but Wanyama's effort on the right was easily picked up by goalkeeper, Kevin.

Johanna's long range attempt after the break was easily gathered by the goalkeeper before Omollo's header went wide.

Francis had a chance to put his side ahead in the 52th minute, but wasted the opportunity with Oluoch out of his line before Justin Jonathan's free header went wide.

In the 72nd minute Wanyama delivered an incisive pass in the box, but Kevin Amwayi blasted wide before the Ulinzi Stars man was replaced by Allan Wanga.

Seven minutes later, Johanna Omollo was denied by the goalkeeper from a close range before Olunga's effort hit the post. Once again Omollo had a chance to put the hosts ahead, but the Belgium-based midfielder was this time denied by the post.

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By AFP 2 hrs ago
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