Olunga on target as Kenya dispatch Uganda
Harambee stars put aside their tribulations and put on a spirited performance to beat the Uganda Cranes 2-0 in the opening match of the 2015 CECAFA senior challenge cup.
Kenya dominated possession in the first half. It therefore came as no surprise when Zambia based Jacob Keli scored the opener with a well taken finish in the 28th minute following a through pass from Eric Johanna. Keli was menacing throughout the first half and almost doubled the lead in the 43rd minute but his grasscutter was saved by the Ugandan keeper.
Coach Bobby Williamson introduced Michael Olunga as a second half substitute. Olunga responded almost immediately with a typical calm and poised finish to double the lead. Olunga’s fine form at club level has also translated to the national teams where he has been prolific, scoring three times in the last four games.
Also in action was combative defensive midfielder Collins Okoth who partenered in midfield with former Gor Mahia ace Anthony Akumu.
After the match coach Bobby Williamson was upbeat and refused to be drawn into discussing the Cape Verde fiasco.
“Cape Verde is gone now. Everyone knows the challenges that we had there but now we are on a different assignment. I have heard the Uganda Cranes coach say that he only played his second string side, but that is up to him really. I brought the best available players and I am very glad that we have won. Winning the first game of any competition is always a good thing,” said Williamson.
Kenya Starting XI: Bonface Oluoch , David ‘Calabar’ Owino, David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng , Omar Mbongi, Noah Abich, Teddy Akumu, Collins Okoth, Eric Johanna, Clifton Miheso , Jacob Keli, Jesse Were
Subs: David Okello, Harun Shakava, Musa Mohamed, Ali Abondo, Michael Olunga, Allan Wanga
Uganda Starting XI: Alitho James, Faruk Miya, Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Shafik Bakaki , Joseph Ochaya, Ssekisambu Erisa, Muurshid Jjuko, Muzamir Mutyaba, Ceasar Okhuti, Hassan Dazo.
Subs: Mathias Kigonya (GK), Frank Kalanda, Kizito Keziron, Richard Kasagga, Nelson Senkatuka, Joseph Nsubuga
Congrats to the boys, technical bench and all fans.
Wishing Bobby Williamson all the best. KUDO’S to engineer and Keli the Jacob
Hahahaa Admin lakini unanichekesha. When Harambee Stars fail to win, your title doesn’t say something like “Olunga fails to Impress as Harambee Stars are Eliminated ” Instead it reads something like Harambee are Eliminated from World Cup Qualifications ” yani when they loose it is Harambee, when they win mara Olunga mara Shakava….mara ingine sema “Shakava scores Own Goal to Eiminate Stars”
I CAN’T UNDERSTAND HOW TOP SCORER WITH (22 GOALS) CAN NOT SCORE IN THE WHOLE 90 MINUTES, KUDOS TO OGADA NYAN’GIRE ( OLUNGA MIKE) AND JECO ( THE GUITAR-MAN) JUST ONE CHANCE AND BALL IS AT IT’S RIGHT PLACE YANI GOAL. I LIKE IT!!!
@Achacha, fyi football doesn’t follow such logic Otherwise Ronaldo would have scored on Sato during El Classico
@ingo. .so what?for once in your life please try talking some sense….I know it’s hard for you…but am sure you can try!!
Oswozo, when it comes to Harambee Stars, we should win as a team and loose as a team. Let us have headings that reflect this e. g Harambee Stars Defeat Uganda or Harabee Stars Out of Wordl Cup Race…..it just came across funny to me that When Harambee wins, Admin will find a way to glorify Gors players on his heading. When they loose , nothing is said on the header about Gors players on the team but Harambee Star this or Harambee Stars that.