Clean sheet for Kenya
By Vincent Voiyoh, June 15, 2023Debutant youngster Moses Shummah scored the lone goal as Harambee Stars returned to winning ways after beating lowly ranked Pakistan 1-0 at the Cote his National Sports Complex in Mauritius in the four-nation tournament.
The Kakamega Homeboyz ace who was a surprise inclusion in Kenya’s starting line-up against the Asian side proved his football prowess after lashing home the opening goal for Harambee Stars inside the area, capitalizing on a defensive error from the opponents.
While it would not be regarded as the best display from Stars, head coach Engin Firat would pride himself on the show from the boys who missed five players that were in the starting line-up against Iran in March.
Harambee Stars registered their second win under the Turkish tactician, keeping a first clean in his six games in charge.
Only two players out of a possible seven were given a stage for maiden Harambee Stars caps by coach Firat.
KCB’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was given priority to man the post, with Zesco United and Tusker FC custodians Ian Otieno and Brian Bwire sitting on the bench entirely.
Captain Michael Olunga who reached a milestone of 50 appearance for the national side saw his grass-cutting shot blocked by goalkeeper Yousuf Butt in the second minute of the match.
Kenya could have grabbed the opening goal in the 5th minute but a bouncing ball from an Amos Nondi corner inside the danger box was cleared by Pakistan defender Mamoon Mossa Khan.
Moses Shummah delivered their delayed goal celebration when he scored his first-ever goal for Harambee Stars from a close range after their opponents struggled to clear a harmful ball from a throw-in.
There was anticipation of Kenya netting more goals in the second half but it seemed impossible even with fresh legs of Clifton Miheso, Abdalla Hassan, Victor Omune and Daniel Anyembe.
Despite the victory, coach Firat said he was less impressed with the output of the players although noting they need to find solutions.
“I am not happy because we did not play the way I wanted. Were we very slow in passing against Pakistan who defended very deep, they were very close and congratulations to them. We have to find solutions, we had some opportunities which we did not utilize but that does not change the fact that I am not happy with the way we played and it was not at the level that I expected,” coach Firat said.
Harambee Stars missed the dependable defensive pair of Joseph Okumu and Brian Mandela as well as striker Masud Juma who were all ruled out through injuries.
Kenya will return to the pitch again on Sunday for their second and final game against hosts Mauritius on Sunday.