Controversy: Harambee Stars drown former AFCON champions Zambia

Harambee Stars' Cliff Nyakeya celebrates his goal and Kenya's second against Zambia during a friendly match at the Nyayo National Stadium on October 9, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Kenyan football team Harambee Stars defeated Zambia’s Chipolopolo in a controversial but entertaining friendly clash at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The Kenyans won 2-1 after an own-goal from Zambia’s Mwape Tandi in the 21st minute and a beautifully crafted goal from Gor Mahia’s Kenneth Muguna to Cliff Nyakeya, who made no mistake past goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange in 27th minute.

Substitute (65') Kelvin Kampamba scored a stunning header past the Kenyan shot-stopper, Ian Otieno, in the 81st minute to the surprise of Harambee Stars defenders.

The 2012 AFCON champions’ second goal was controversially disallowed as there was no goal-line technology or a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the stadium.

Both Kenya and Zambia used the match to prepare for next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

As Kenya will be battling out with Comoros in a two-legged Group G encounter, Zambia will be facing Botswana in Group H ties.

Kenya has to do without the services of the dependable quintet of Victor Wanyama (Montreal Impact, Canada), Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe, China) and Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge K.S.V, Belgium) and Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden).

The five players did not travel due to coronavirus related travelling restrictions.

Kenya Starting XI: Ian Otieno (Goal Keeper), Baraka Badi, David Owino, Joash Onyango, Brian Mandela, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Lawrence Juma, Erick Johanna, Cliff Nyakeya, Masud Juma

Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Philemon Otieno, Clarke Oduor, Timothy Otieno, Oscar Wamalwa, Abdallah Hassan, Francis Kahata, Elvis Rupia, Austin Otieno, Katana Mohamed, Johnstone Omurwa.

Photos from the Nyayo Stadium on Friday:

Zambia's Godfrey Nawenya (left) and David Owino of Harambee Stars fighting for the ball at Nyayo National stadium on Friday Oct 8, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Meldave Enterprise's Maurice Kariuki sanitizing a ball at Nyayo National stadium on Friday Oct 8, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Mr Kariuki sanitizing one of the goalposts. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The match on Friday was played without fans amid the Covid-19 pandemic. [Photo: Standard]

Harambee Stars players during a morning training session at Kasarani Stadium on October 07, 2020. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]