Hi Africa! Harambee Stars is coming

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama (centre) celebrates his goal with Dennis Odhiambo (left), Michael Olunga and Eric Johanna (right) during their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 14, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |

What you need to know:

  • On an ordinary day, the 3-0 win over Ethiopia might have passed for just another win but in Sunday's match, that result had an elevated meaning

  • For a team that has endured disappointment after disappointment in as far as qualifying for any major competition worth talking of is concerned, the euphoria that followed the victory was so long coming

  • The fact that it all happened before the eyes of a host of dignitaries among them Deputy President William Ruto and sports minister Rashid Echesa made the victory all the more sweet

At the final whistle, the victorious players piled on top of each other. It took a second for them to gather their breath and then, finally, they could join the party that was already underway outside the Kasarani Stadium.

It meant that as Group F table toppers, Kenya are on the verge of booking a place in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and that they have a good chance of making a return to the continental showpiece after 14 years of asking.

For a team that has endured disappointment after disappointment in as far as qualifying for any major competition worth talking of is concerned, the euphoria that followed the victory was so long coming.

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama (right) celebrates his goal with Michael Olunga (left) during their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 14, 2018.

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

If one was to be picky, a legitimate argument can be made that Kenya is still not out of the woods yet. That as long as the ban looming over Sierra Leone’s head remains unresolved; as long as Caf is yet to give a definitive statement regarding the status of Group F, it is not yet celebration time.

But this is not a time to be too critical. Harambee Stars had a fine match and were largely untroubled as they tackled the Ethiopians who infamously denied Kenya the chance to compete in the 2016 African Nations Cup.

And compared to the game against Ghana where Kenya triumphed courtesy of a measly own goal, this result was made possible by spectacular goals from striker Michael Olunga and midfielder Eric Johanna, before captain Victor Wanyama weighed in with a successful penalty midway through the second half. 

The waiver of gate charges by government ensured a capacity stadium which provided an electric and lively atmosphere for the fans, while at the same time providing a highly intimidating environment for Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes.

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga (left) dribbles past Ethiopia's Antech Tesfaye during their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 14, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |

The 50,000 fans were in a frenzy from start to finish, matching every touch of the ball by the Kenyan players with raucous applause.

It is little wonder that Olunga and Johanna had the space and time to net such delicious goals, and even less surprising that the Ethiopians were forced into a defensive blunder that gifted Kenya the second half penalty.

For now, Kenyan football supporters can sit back and cherish this moment knowing that more than a decade has passed since a similar occurrence was witnessed.

The fact that it all happened before the eyes of a host of dignitaries among them Deputy President William Ruto and sports minister Rashid Echesa made the victory all the more sweet.

These government officials must now reflect on the untapped capabilities of the national team, the unexplored passion of the local football fans and the possibilities that abound for Kenya if only the national teams can be granted adequate support.