Olunga with a brace as Stars humble DR Congo in a thrilling international friendly

 An electrifying Sunday afternoon saw thousands of football fans across the country throng Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to spectate Harambee Stars lock horns with DR Congo for an international friendly match on 26th March 2017.

This was the second time these teams were meeting in five months, where on the previous occasion, Stars emerged winners thanks to Michael Olunga’s lone goal in Kinshasa, October last year.

After missing the game versus Uganda three days ago, the likes of Victor Wanyama, ‘Calabar’ and goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch returned against Les Leopards, was a clear indication that coach Benjamin Okumbi was somewhat cautious with the game by fielding the crème de la crème of Kenya’s players.

Forward Olunga coronated his 23rd birthday scoring inside ten minutes, putting the hosts ahead in the fifth minute with great finish thanks to Brian Mandela’s assist.

In the second period, Florente Imbege’s men appeared more lethal in front of the goal and also enjoying much of possession.

DR Congo, who had two of their goals disallowed, equaled the tally in the half-hour mark thanks to ex-Chelsea striker, Gael Kakuta tantalizing free kick, just outside the box sending Congo’s fans into total frenzy.

Birthday boy Michael Olunga struck his double of the day and the third goal against DR Congo 20 minutes to time reinstalling Harambee Stars lead.

Olunga would have capped his birthday with a hat trick or even more goals, were it not for DR Congo’s stopper, Joel Kiassumbua.

Yeni Ngabtoko’s strike in the 88th minute would have matched the scoreline, only that the shot went few inches above the crossbar.

Les Leopards are not only African Confederations Cup(AFCON) 2017 quarter finalists, but also CHAN reigning champions. They are hoping to defend their title in Kenya come next year.

The win over the 38th ranked country according to the latest FIFA ranking-50 positions above Kenya, now stretches Okumbi’s unbeaten run to impeccable ten matches.