Happening Now: Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens
Harambee Stars recover to beat Gor
Habil Otieno of Gor Mahia (R) in full flight against Mulinge Ndeto during their practice match at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Wednesday. Stars won 1-0. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN.
Harambee Stars eased to a 1-0 victory over Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia in a practice match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday.
The goal came from the unlikely foot of defender Pascal Ochieng who got on the end of a corner kick to shake the net in the 15th minute.
Assistant coach Twahir Muhiddin expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Stars who are preparing for their tough World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria away on June 6.
“We were working on our organization and ball possession and we did well. We could have scored four or five goal to kill the game, but football wise we did well,” Muhiddin said after the match.
Stars were more purposeful compared to their 2-0 loss to KCB in a practice match last week, keeping possession well and creating a host of chances in a dominant first half display.
Dipping effort
Mike Baraza and Boniface Ambani missed excellent chances after good movement from the flanks had opened up the opposition defence while the prominent Thomas Wanyama saw his swishing free kick pushed out for a corner by Gor Mahia keeper George Odhiambo.
Gor, who showed scant respect for the national team, had their best chance in the 82nd minute when Tony Odhiambo’s dipping effort ricocheted off the upright, after a finger tip touch from Stars keeper David Okello, for a corner.
Musa Otieno showed all his experience with his calming presence in the first half when he marshaled a defence line composed of George Owino, Pascal Ochieng and John Njoroge.
Familiar names
Stars break camp today before reassembling on Monday for a final build up. The team will be joined by nine professionals based outside East Africa including the recalled John “Mo” Muiruri, Austin Makacha and Allan Wanga.
Others are the usual familiar names of Dennis Oliech, Macdonald Mariga, Patrick Oboya, Willis Ochieng, Arnold Origi, and Robert Mambo.
Harambee Stars starting line-up – David Okello, Pascal Ochieng, George Owino, Musa Otieno, John Njoroge, Osborn Monday, Peter Opiyo, Julius Owino, Victor Mugabe, Mike Baraza, Boniface Ambani. Substitutes used – Maurice Odhiambo, Crispine Olando, Thomas Wanyama, Joseph Shikokoti, Mulinge Munandi, Ibrahim Shikanda, Bernard Mwalala, Crispine Odula.
