A 3-0 loss at the hands of Aliou Cisse’s Sengala has left Harambee Stars chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the African Cup Of Nations hanging by a thread. Kenya made a very good start to the match but was undone by Senegal’s quality to concede 3 goals in a dismal second-half showing.
Below we look at what went wrong against for Harambee Stars against The Lions O Teranga.
The Backline
The defense has been Harambee Stars weakest department in the tournament. Stars have conceded 7 goals in 3 matches, keeping zero clean sheets in the process. Against Senegal, Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was the busiest player of the pitch saving one penalty and countless other shots.
Though ridden with injuries, the Harambee Stars defense has been nothing short of a shambles all tournament. The lack of quality in the back was evident especially with the first center back pairing unavailable. The head coach has to take some of the blame too for the team’s lack of defensive structure.
Second half performance
Kenya put in a very decent performance in the first half but the complete opposite in the second period. Migne’s team looked fatigued in the second period and lacking in ideas which resulted in the team conceding thrice in 15 minutes.
Football is a game of 90 minutes and you have to be on top and focused during the full match. Harambee Stars simply switched off in the second half and Senegal’s quality was good enough to capitalize, which they did in stunning fashion.
Victor Wanyama
The captain let yet another big game pass him by. He has looked slow and off the pace in all the 3 matches that the team has played in Egypt. As the saying goes; To whom much is given, much is expected.
Wanyama plays for a top 4 English Premier League side but he has not shown it at Africa’s biggest stage yet. Johanna Omollo has been the revelation in midfield which is not what was expected given that Kenya has a midfielder who led his club to the Champions League final last season.
The Captain needs to step up and prove his worth!