Stanley Okumbi silence his critics after Harambee Stars African Nations Cup qualifiers win

Harambee Stars Coach Stanley Okumbi

 

Stanley Okumbi silenced his critics as Harambee Stars eased to a 2-1 victory over Congo in today's 2017 dead rubber African Nations Cup qualifiers clash, at the Kasarani Stadium.

It is certainly a day to remember for the former Mathare United coach after immense criticisms as he chalked up his first win since replacing Bobby Williamson in February.

It is a day that Okumbi got everything right as all departments clicked for the first time in five matches he has been in charge.

"I am not the one who have won, it's a win for the team and all Kenyans. I believe everybody is happy. I didn't get enough time to train team in previous matches, but the build up to Congo match was fantastic. We need more friendlies to get better results," said Okumbi during a post-match conference.

"I thank fans, they have been on our side. But it is good to support the coach whether winning or not. This is an important win for us because we are definitely going to rise on the Fifa rankings."

Captain and Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama was similarly delighted with the performance.

" We were mentally strong and today that counted. We wanted the win and that worked out. To improve Fifa rankings we need to win. We have been working together and the coach made us believe we can make it. Today, we clicked and played for each other. The penalty was too soft, but we showed character," said Wanyama.

But it was a disappointing result for Congo coach Pierre Lechantre whose side needed just a draw to keep their AFCON hopes alive.

"I am really disappointed. Unlike Kenya who were playing for nothing, we just needed a draw to keep our hopes alive ahead of the Bissau match. My team was just not good on this level and Kenyan players were more motivated pressing hard each time they lost the ball," said Lechantre.

Kenya's victory earned Guinea Bissau a ticket to next year's continental finals as they are currently topping Group E (ten points) with a game to go.

The match started on a high tempo with captain Victor Wanyama's effort deflected for a fruitless corner by Dikamona before Eric Johanna ballooned his shot.

Two minutes later, Michael Olunga outpaced his markers but shot wide.

However, it was the Red Devils who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through Prince Oniangou's well executed penalty kick after   Ismael Gonzalez was adjudged to have fouled Congo player in the box.

But their  celebrations were cut short when Ayub Timbe  levelled in the 22nd minute with a spectacular drive after receiving a sublime pass from Wanyama.

In the 34th minute Timbe forced a fine save from Congo goalkeeper Christopher Mafoumbi before Francis Kahata's header went over the bar.

Three minutes later, Kenya survived as Congo striker's header rattled against the bar.

Kenya had a chance to go ahead in the 53rdminute but Wanyama was fouled at the edge of the box with Timbe's resulting free kick going wide before Gonzalez paved way for Teddy Akumu.

Oluoch then easily gathered Fereboury Dore's feeble shot.

Johanna notched in the winner in  the 67th minute, looping the ball over the advancing custodian after a brilliant delivery from substitute Akumu.

Congo responded immediately, but good defensive display from Kenya backline denied them the equaliser.

Johanna was then replaced by Paul Were in the 74th minute as Ali Abondo came on for Timbe.

Oluoch pulled off a brilliant save to deny Jordan Massengo as Kenya held their nerves to claim the victory.

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