Red Hot Olunga Strikes, Rescues Kenya in 1-1 Draw With Egypt

Harambee Stars took on Egypt in an African Cup Of Nation Qualifer match in Cairo Egypt today. IAN OTIENO

Patrick Matasi started in goal while Eric Ouma, and Joseph Okumu covered in defense. 13. Samuel Olwande, 3. Erick Ouma, 2. Joseph Stanley, 5. Joash Onyango,12. Victor Wanyama,10 Eric Johana,17. Lawrence Juma,14. Michael Olunga, 8. Johana Omollo, 7. Ayub Timbe have all made in to the first eleven.

Kenya had a brilliant first half with good possesion of the ball, speed and dictating the match. Micheal Olunga came close to scoring on the 27th Minute with a straight shot that strecthed Mohammed Elshenawy handing Kenya the first corner.

However all did not go well for Patrick Matasi as he came off after he suffered an injury during the game. Ian Otieno came in as the replacement as Matasi headed down the tunnel for some medical attention.

On the 40th Minute, a poor back pass from Kenya’s defender Eric Ouma to the goalkeeper was severely punished after Egypt’s striker Kharaba stretched his long legs and reached for the ball as it headed to the goalkeeper’s way and scored it. Egypt had thumped Kenya.

Kenya’s first hopes of bouncing back came in the second half after a decent build up led to a Micheal Oluga attempt on target in the 60th minute. Johhana Omolo was substituted for Gor Mahia’s Midfielder kenneth Muguna on the 64th Minute.

A long ball from Joseph Okumu to Lawrence Juma opened Egypt’s defense and saw a cross brought in Egypt’s box and was poorly cleared by former Arsenal Midfielder Mohhamed Elneny. The dead ball was met by Kenya’s striker Michael Olunga who put it past the goalkeeper and equalised for kenya. 68th minute Egypt 1-1 Kenya.

Harambee kept on piling pressure on the host with descent wide passes that created gaps in the Egypt’s midfield.

On the 81st Minute, Egypt launched an attack on kenya’s defense with a shot from Treziguit that slipped Ian Otieno’s hands and headed to the net, but Okumu’s leg speed saw him clear the ball as it crossed the line. However the clearance was not that clinical as Egpyt’s  Mohamed Afsha made another shot at goal but came off Olunga’s hand but nothing was given.

Samuel Olwande was given a yellow card for time wasting after 4 minutes were added to the match. However Egpyt kept coming for an match winning goal on the 93rd minute, but the Kenya’s defense was solid enough to stand any storms. The Match ended 1-1 draw.

What Next?

Kenya will Play Togo on Monday as they hope to keep their dreams of qualifications alive.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *