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There was not a single Gor Mahia or AFC player who saw action as Kenya lost two crucial home points to Malawi in a 2014 World cup qualifier played at the newly refurbished Kasarani stadium on Saturday. It was a game that left most fans unhappy.<\/p>\n
Kevin Ochieng was the only Gor Mahia player in uniform but he remained rooted to the bench as coach Kimanzi preferred a midfield with Victor Wanyama, Kelvin Kimani, Humphrey Mieno and Jamal Mohammed. Meanwhile Gor Mahia’s Rama Salim who has been in sensational form of late was left out in preference for Jamal who has not been playing any club football of late. He clearly lacked match fitness. Furthermore , the four Kenyan midfielders have not played with each other for long and their lack of cohesion showed as they were outclassed by Malawi. As a result, Oliech and Oboya upfront did not get much support. While Malawi were playing friendly matches in Tanzania, Kenya did not play any.<\/p>\n
The inclusion of Paul Were and Titus Mulama in the second half brought some impetus to the stars. However Were was being played on the wrong wing and as such was unable to deliver much needed crosses despite outrunning his markers often. As you know, lack of youth development often means virtually no Kenyan player is two footed.<\/p>\n
On a bright note, Tusker’s Boniface Oluoch had a good game. He earned man of the match honours and saved Kenya from the ignominy of a home defeat. The goalkeeping position has been problematic for Kenya. Other than Arnold Origi, no Kenyan keeper has shown consistency. But even Origi is so injury prone that he opted to retire from football. The last time Kenya had a reliable custodian was probably Francis Onyiso circa the late 1990s. Fans hope Oluoch can remain consistent.<\/p>\n
Also on a bright note, the match was well attended. Perhaps fans were excited at the re-opening of Kasarani stadium and the opportunity to actually sit on chairs.<\/p>\n
Looking at the Kogalo line-up now, perhaps Rama is one who definitely deserves a call up. Yusuf Juma who showed excellent form at the 2011 CECAFA cup has inexplicably lost his form. One could also make an argument for Kevin Omondi who has shown flashes of brilliance in some games.<\/p>\n
All in all, Malawi were the better side and most Kenyan fans were left despondent coming hot on the heels of the lousy performance of the Kenya U20 team. Also, talent wise, Kenya football is perhaps at the lowest level it has been in years. Perhaps several years of incompetence by Hatimy and others at FKF has taken its toll on football.<\/p>\n
Kenya face Namibia next. There is room for improvement and hopefully the players can raise their game and gain some cohesion. Also, Kimanzi will have had some extra time to assess his charges and come up with a better combination.<\/p>\n