AFCON2019: Lessons learnt from Harambee Stars victory over Taifa Stars

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Harambee Stars produced a performance for the ages in the second Group C match at the Africa Cup Of Nations against neighbors Tanzania. Kenya came from behind twice to win the match 3-2 in what was undoubtedly the best match at the tournament so far.

Micheal Olunga bagged a brilliantly taken brace with Johanna Omollo scoring from a set piece. Sebastian Migne’s side will now face Senegal in the final group match on Monday with their confidence sky high and still within a chance of making it to the knockout round.

Below, we take a look at the lessons gained from the win against Taifa Stars..

Fullback is Harambee Stars weakest position

Despite most of the team playing well, the two full backs playing against Tanzania were not good enough. With Philemon Otieno injured, David Owino who is a center back was deployed as the right back and he had a difficult night. On the other side, Aboud Omar was as poor as he was in the Algeria match against Taifa Stars.

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The two gifted Tanzania a lot of chances but luckily for Kenya, the finishing was not up to scratch. The likes of Sadio Mane and Keita Balde will however not be as wasteful on Monday which is why Migne needs to rethink his full back selection.

Kahata poor, again

One of Kenya’s brightest talents, Gor Mahia’s Francis Kahata has not yet shone at the Tournament. The former Thika United playmaker was invincible against Algeria and again ineffective against the lesser Taifa Stars.

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With his Gor Mahia contract due to expire, Wuod Nyambura was supposed to use this tournament as a platform to attract suitors. That has not happened so far which led to Migne substituting him after only 30 minutes of play. He may get the chance to show his class against Senegal but that is not guaranteed, especially after John Avire positive performance once he replaced him in the first half.

Olunga proves his worth

The 3 points would not have been achieved without Micheal Olunga’s goals and influence in the match. The lanky striker hit the post earlier in the first half but there was no denying him once he got into his stride. He was a menace to the Tanzania defense and he ultimately proved to be the difference with two goals.

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His second goal was especially well taken as there seemed to be no space between the goalkeeper and the post but Olunga somehow managed to squeeze the ball in. It is good for a team to have a striker who can score a goal from nothing, Olunga is that guy for Kenya and the Harambee Stars.

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