Kenya defeat Congo 2-1 in an international friendly match

STARS WHIP DR CONGO

 

Guizhou Zhicheng forward Michael Olunga gave himself a perfect birthday gift after scoring a brace as coach Stanley Okumbi extended his unbeaten run to ten games after Harambee Stars stunned DRC Congo 2-1 in yesterday’s international friendly match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

It was one of those days that Okumbi got his tactics right as all Stars departments seemed to click in an end to end thrilling physical encounter.

It took only four minutes for Olunga, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday, to break the deadlock.

The China-based lanky striker received a pass from Brian Mandela, shrugged off a challenge from his marker before unleashing a powerful shot that flew past a hapless Congolese goalkeeper Joel Kiasumbua, into top left of the net.

Gael Kakuta’s expertly curved free kick from 25 yards on the hour mark nearly spoilt his birthday.

However, ten minutes later, Olunga easily tapped in Samuel Onyango’s cross from the right as Congo’s late equaliser was disallowed by centre referee Davis Omweno.

“I am feeling very great. Scoring two goals on my birthday is something very special and I dedicate them to my family. I had a feeling that I would score today (yesterday) and I am happy I have rewarded myself. Actually, that’s a perfect gift to myself,” Olunga told Feverpitch.

The former Gor Mahia and Tusker man believes the brace has answered those who criticised his move from Sweden to China.

“When I made the move to China, many people criticised it saying it is the end of my career, but I am really working hard where I am. I just want to tell those critics this is my time and I will continue to shine.”

But it is not only Olunga, who had a brilliant game. Goalkeeper Bonface Oluoch pulled off a series of brilliant saves with the defensive duo of David Owino and Jockins Atudo making superb goal-line clearances. As always, captain and Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama bossed the midfield alongside hard tackling Johanna Omollo of Belgium’s Royal Antwerp.

However, it was Ulinzi Stars youngster Samuel Onyango, who won plaudits for his incredible performance that was capped with an assist for Olunga’s second goal.

“Brilliant performance from Onyango. He was marvelous. And it is good he finished it off with a great assist,” coach Okumbi talked of Onyango who was earning his second national team cap.

Congo came close in the 19th minute, but Neeskens Kebano’s free kick hit the side net before David Ochieng’s feeble header from Jesse Were’s free-kick was saved by goalkeeper Kiasumbua.

Owino was forced to clear Bolingi’s header from the goal line before Onyango fooled Jordan Ikoko with a clever dummy, delivered a pass to Olunga but Were arrived late in the box.

In the 33rd minute, the Ulinzi man released another brilliant pass to Olunga but the latter’s shot was stopped by Kiasumbua before Onyango’s long range shot was tipped over the bar by keeper. For full report www.standardmedia.co.ke

Two minutes later, Bolingi could have drawn level but his glancing header bounced inches off target before Oluoch pulled a reflex save from Junior Kabananga’s effort as Stars went into the lockers leading 1-0.

On resumption, both teams created half chances in the early proceedings with Olunga and Kabananga hit the side netting.

Onyango could have opened his national team goal account in the 50th minute, but Fabrice Nsakala recovered fast to block his attempt.

Oluoch then tipped over Kakuta’s dangerous free kick for a fruitless corner before Mandela cleared Kebano’s cross from the left.

Kenya launched a counter attack initiated by Were and Olunga, before the latter set up Wanyama who forced a brilliant save from the opposing goalkeeper.

And after a series of raids, Congo got an equaliser in the 60th minute, through Kakuta’s spectacular free kick, two minutes before his second goal was ruled off side. Oluoch denied Kabananga a scoring chance as Paul Were came on for Johanna Omollo, while Aboud Omar paved way for Osborne Monday.

Olunga then found himself at the right place, in the right time to easily tap in Onyango’s cross in the 70th minute.

In the 79th minute Joackins Atudo did the unbelievable, stopping Yeni Ngbakoto’s close range effort on the line before the visitors’ late equaliser was disallowed.

Athletics
Watch out for improved times at Lukenya marathon on Sunday
Rugby
SCHOOLS: Maseno School renew rivalry with St Mary's Yala in rugby
Hockey
SCHOOLS: Ng'iya Girls, Ageng'a Mixed, Kisumu Girls and Nyamira headline hockey
By Mose Sammy 9 hrs ago
Golf
Ireland Brendan wins Nakuru Captain prize