Kenyan Stars’ hopes dim after defeat

Kenya’s horrendous showing at the Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge Cup continued with a humiliating loss to tournament dark horse Ethiopia.

Tricky Shemeles Bekele scored both Ethiopian goals – in the 24th and 45th minute – before substitute Fred Ajwang pulled one goal back for Kenya late in the second half.

The loss all but confirmed Harambee Stars’ humiliating elimination at the group phase of the tournament.

Ethiopia recovered from a shaky start to rock a recomposed Stars outfit that had five changes from the team that lost 3-2 to Malawi three days earlier to win over the crowds at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

Kenya started strongly and in the 41st second good work by John Baraza in the box set up Bob Mugalia, who inexplicably shot wide with a yawning net in front of him.

At the edge of elimination

Stars pressed forward and on 16 minutes George “BlackBerry” Odhiambo raced clear into the area but chose to cut back when he had a clear sight on goal.

Dimunitive Shegele, who now has three goals in the tournament, scored a stunning free kick before getting on the end of swift counter to put Stars to the sword.

The loss put Kenya right at the edge of elimination from a tournament they have won five times.

Stars must now beat Uganda on Sunday and hope Malawi defeat Ethiopia to stand a chance of picking one of two third placed finishers.

That scenario will however also need goal difference calculations to be in their favour.

Four months ago a Kenya side composed of local-based players thrashed Ethiopia 3-0 in Addis Ababa in a friendly, but coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee was positive about the outcome.

“I am disappointed with the results but not the tactics. We created chances and should have scored early in the half but we did not. We were just not lucky,” Mulee said.