Seck Harona’s brace helped Senegal beat ten man Kenya 3-1 in their opening Group A match of the inaugural Africa Deaflympics Ball Games Qualifiers at Kasarani Stadium, yesterday.
Kenya had to finish the match with one man less after right back Gasper Asituha was shown a straight red card in the 82nd minute for a reckless challenge on his marker.
It is Kenya who took the lead through captain Bashir Yahye’s screamer in the 20th minute before Harona drew level nine minutes later.
Harona was then fouled in the box on the stroke of halftime with Marro Khadim scoring the penalty before Haruna capped his impressive performance with his second goal of the tournament in the second half.
The hosts will now be hoping to bounce back on Wednesday against Mali who face Senegal tomorrow at Kasarani Stadium.
Group B action begins today at Kasarani with a 3:30pm clash between Cameroon and Zambia.
Nyayo Stadium will host a double header for Group C and D. Somaliland will take on Egypt at 12pm before paving way for the Group D match pitting Zanzibar against Ghana at 3:30pm.
Back to Kasarani, Senegal almost took an early lead in the tenth minute but Ndiaye Papa’s goal was ruled out for offside before the West African’s goalkeeper Diaw Mouhamadou pulled off a fine stop on the opposite end.
Wagne Ndiaga then saw his free kick easily saved by Kenyan goalkeeper Thor Mwai in the 19th minute before Kenya responded immediately but captain Bashir Yahye’s shot went wide.
Kenya broke the deadlock in the 20th minute through Yahye’s brilliant effort that flew past a hapless goalkeeper Diaw Mouhamadou.
The hosts almost doubled the lead a few moments later when Gasper Asituha raced down the right flank only for his shot to hit the side.
However, their efforts were rewarded in the 29th minute when Seck Harona drew level with a powerful low shot from the edge of the box.
