By Gilbert Wandera
Nairobi, Kenya: Harambee Stars failed to shine on home soil after going down 1-0 to Nigeria in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Thousands of local fans including Deputy President William Ruto turned up to watch the match but left disappointed after Musa Ahmed scored the only goal of in the 80th minute to give his side all three points away.
The move towards goal was initiated by Efe Ambrose who chipped the ball behind the Kenyan defense and when Duncun Ochieng came out he was too late as Musa Ahmed beat him to the ball and scored.
With that win Nigeria go to the top of group 'F' with eight points after Malawi and Namibia played to a barren draw Wednesday in Blantyre. Malawi are second with six points while Namibia have four points.
It was the Nigerians who put their opponents under pressure early with Kenya nearly conceding a second minute goal when Duncan Ochieng's clearance was blocked by Ideye Brown who could only shoot wide.
Six minutes later, Musa Ahmed beat the Kenyan defense but his attempt to pick out an advancing Sunday Mba was blocked by Brian Mandela.
The Kenyans were having a great time in midfield and Oman based Jamal Mohammed was showing some awesome creativity though he appeared self-fish sometimes. In the 10th minute with Kepha Aswani advancing towards the Nigerian goal, Mohammed hesitated and allowed the Nigerian defense to recover lost ground.
One minute later, Nigeria had their first free kick which Chelsea star John Obi Mikel lifted high towards the Kenyan goal and rested on the side netting.
Duncan Ochieng in goal threw the ball quickly to a running Victor Wanyama but he failed to keep it into play. In the 13th minute the visitors got their second free kick just near the Kenyan goal but Musa Ahmed's shit was defended well.
Kenya got the first corner in the 24th minute when Francis Kahata efforts to beat Elderson in the Nigerian defense ended in vain.
Elderson was forced to come out and stop Kahata once again in the 29th minute after Jamal Mohammed had picked him out with a splitting pass but Stars could only get a corner from the effort.
Kepha Aswani making his return to the Kenyan team after a long time was a pale shadow of himself and he looked injured as he time and again limped. He never made any effort at goal allowing Vincent Enyeama in goal to have a long rest in the first half.
Nigeria got their first corner of the match in the 34th minute when a goal bound Musa Ahmed was stopped in his tracks by David Ochieng.
Four minutes later, Ahmed's shot was deflected by Mandela and calmly picked by Duncan Ochieng who made a throw to Johanna Omollo and he made the first attempt at goal but his effort was stopped by Vincent Enyeama.
The Kenyans were gaining confidence as the first half wore off and Peter Opiyo made the second shot at the Nigerian goal in the 39th minute. Nigeria got their second corner in the 43rd minute but it was the home team who ended the first half on a high note with Victor Wanyama coming close only to shoot wide.
