Stars strike Mambas in thrilling clash

Kenya revived their very slim hopes of qualifying for the World Cup after recording a determined 2-1 win over Mozambique at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday.

Right back Julius Owino opened the scoring for Harambee Stars with a fortuitous goal in the eighth minute and Macdonald Mariga added the second via a penalty in the 71st minute.

Mozambique, who will feel unlucky with the score line, got their lone goal in the 50th minute from Elias Pelembe’s close range strike.

The win hauled Kenya from last to third in Group Two with three points and put them on the driving sit for one of three available slots for African Cup of Nations qualifications

A World Cup slot looks improbable with group leaders Tunisia (six points) and second-placed Nigeria (four points), who were due to clash last night, the front runners for the coveted position

“The road to Angola has started. We must work hard and maintain our third position,” captain Musa Otieno said.

It was a sedentary display from Harambee Stars despite playing at home as the fleeter footed Mozambicans threatened to steal the match.

Lead striker Dennis Oliech had probably his most nondescript appearance in Kenyan colours, illustrated by his failure to make an attempted shot on goal and coach Antoine Hey showed his displeasure by substituting him in the second half.

Mozambique, showed why they are one of the most improved teams in Africa with some neat football, pace and dangerous forays mounted mainly on Kenya’s vulnerable right flank manned by goal scorer Julius Owino.

Great individual play

Kenya controlled the pace in the early stages of the match without looking threatening. Their goal illustrated the lack of sharpness in their attack.

Owino picked a square passl from just outside his half took a couple of step before sending a hopeful cross into the area. But his delivery somehow went straight into the net, though the poor reaction of Mozambique keeper Cumbane Marcelino may have played a big hand in the outcome. He was soon after substituted.

Kenya could not take advantage and Mozambique began to grow in stature. Pelembe, a constant menace, forced the overworked Origi into a diving save in the 27th minute.

Showing more urgency in the second half Mozambique got their equaliser, when Pelembe reacted quickest in a forest of legs to stab the ball home after the Kenya defence failed to deal with a cross, again coming from the right flank.

Kenya thought they had regained the lead when Mambo nodded home Mariga’s dead ball delivery but Guinean referee Keita Yakhouba ruled off side.

The winning goal came from great individual play by Mariga who cut in from a rare fast attack by Kenya only to be brought down in the box. The Parma man fittingly stepped forward to take the penalty kick and made no mistake.

Line-ups: Kenya - Arnold Origi, Julius Owino, John Njoroge, George Owino, Pascal Ochieng, Musa Otieno, Austin Makacha, Madconald Mariga, Robert Mambo (Taiwo Atieno), Patrick Oboya (Victor Mugabe), Dennis Oliech (Allan Wanga).

Mozambique – Cumbane Marcelino (Albino Cossa), Fanuel Massingue, Momed Hagi, Eugenio Bila, Simao Mate, Martinha Mucana, Samuel Chapana, Elias Pelembe,Manuel Bucuane, Dario Monteiro (Goncalves Fuma), Helder Pelembe.