Dull Stars held at home by enterprising Tanzania

Kenya and Tanzania on Sunday settled for a 1-1 draw in an openly-contested friendly match at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.

The visitors scored first on 33 minutes through Elias Maguli.

Kenya replied five minutes later via a penalty slotted in by captain Victory Wanyama after Ayub Timbe had been felled inside the box by Taifa Stars defender Ramadhan Shiza.

Earlier, there was confusion over the venue of the match after Football Kenya Federation first indicated the fixture would be played at Nyayo Stadium only to shift it to Kasarani.

Several fans called Daily Nation Sports desk inquiring about the venue after arriving at Nyayo, only to find an empty facility.

Little surprising, the friendly was played in a virtually empty stadium.

Tanzania though were represented by a small band of loud fans.

“We needed a win because we have played two games against Guinea Bissau and got zero points. We got four clear chances but conversion was the problem. I’d like to tell the players to continue giving their best,” Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi said after the match..

“We can still build up on this to ensure that we get the desired results. There is no pressure,” he added.

Okumbi opted to let Zesco United striker Jesse Were lead the Kenyan attack, with Ayub Timbe on the wing and Eric Johanna being filling up the play maker’s role.

Also missing was Tanzania’s star player Mbwana Samatta.