Bobby’s Harambee Stars come good

Kenya's national football team (from L - front) goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch, Johanna Omollo, Edwin Wafula, Dennis Odhiambo, and Ayub Masika and (from L - standing) Allan Wanga, Anthony Akumu, Michael Olunga, Haron Shakava, David Ochieng and Victor Wanyama pose prior to the 2018 Fifa World Cup first round qualifying match between Mauritius and Kenya on October 7, 2015 at the Anjalay Stadium. PHOTO | NICOLAS LARCHE |

What you need to know:

  • Kenya make light work of Mauritius away
  • Harambee Stars coach finally gets winning formula

Has Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson finally found a winning formula?

In the wake of a stuttering start to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, thousands of local football fans who took to social media to celebrate Kenya’s comfortable 5-2 win away to lowly Mauritius in a 2018 World Cup qualification match on Wednesday evening will certainly hope so.

This was Williamson’s first win in a competitive match with the senior team since taking over the team 15 months ago, an outcome that left Mauritius coach Alain Happe frustrated.

“It proved to be our toughest match. My players failed to match Kenya’s strength, tactics and commitment. Containing their pacy wingers was also a problem for my defence,” Happe told Le Mauricien.

Stars supporters will be hoping there is much more success to follow.

SPECTACULAR GOAL

For that to happen, Williamson might have to maintain a bulk of the squad that did duty at the Stade Anjalay Bellevue for upcoming engagements.

Ayub Timbe and Johanna Omollo, who are both based in Belgium, contributed significantly to this result by scoring three of Kenya’s five goals.

Timbe in particular impressed with his skills that included a spectacular goal scored straight from a corner kick on 23 minutes.

“We regularly practice set pieces at my club and I am one of the free-kick takers. I scored a similar goal against Comoros last year,” the Belgium-based player told Daily Nation Sport on Thursday. Omollo, who scored a brace, also starred in central midfield alongside captain Victor Wanyama.

Michael Olunga, meanwhile, created two goals and scored one whilst putting in an assured display. Defender Harun Shakava also scored on his debut whist Ulinzi’s Kevin Amwayi impressed after coming on in the final few moments of the game.

A date with a more established Cape Verde Islands side next month awaits Kenya should the home team see-off Mauritius this weekend.