Harambee Stars has edged out Tanzania’s Taifa Stars 2 -1 in an international friendly played on Monday, March 15, 2021, at the Nyayo Stadium
Eric Kapaito raised the stakes of the game after he managed to net one past Tanzanian goalkeeper Juma Kaseja in the 20th minute putting Kenya in the lead. Lawrence Juma attempted for a succession goal in the 21st minute however it hit the bar.
James Saruni deflected Ayub Lyanga’s first attempt for goal and just before he could recover, Ayub shot in the equalizing goal in the 39th minute, selling the first half scores at 1-1.
Before resumption, Abdalla Hassan came on for John Mazembe and in the 58th minute, Lawrence Juma dispossessed Tanzania’s defender at the edge of the box, crossing it to Abdalla Hassan who executed a perfect finish that broke the deadlock.
In a bid to retain the lead, Elvis Rupia and Henry Meja came in for Kevin Kimani and Lawrence Juma.
Tanzania’s efforts to equalize fell naught and the sound of the whistle closed the scores at 2-1 in favor of Harambee Stars.
Lined up next is the final friendly against Tanzania on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the MISC Kasarani, starting at 7 pm
Harambee Stars Starting XI
1. James Saruni (GK), 3. Harun Mwale , 2. Johnstone Omurwa, 12. Mike Kibwage, 20. Daniel Sakari, 4. Michael Mutinda (8. Danson Chetambe), 13. Kenneth Muguna (C), 24. Lawrence Juma (10. Elvis Rupia), 17. Kevin Kimani (9. Henry Meja), 21. James Mazembe (22. Abdalla Hassan), 11. Eric Kapaito.
Substitutes
18. Joseph Okoth, 5. Nahashon Alembi, 16. David Owino, 15. Kevin Simiyu, 14. Oliver Maloba, 7. Reagan Otieno, 6. John Macharia, 19. Musa Masika,
Tanzania Starting XI
1. Juma Kaseja (GK), 21. Israel Mwenda, 3. Nickson Kibarage, 5. Kelvin Yondani, 14. Bakari Mwamnyeto, 7. Himid Mao, 23. Iddi Selemani, 6. Feisal Salum, 17. Faridi Musa, 8. Salum Abubakar, 22. Ayubu Lyanga
Substitutes
13. Metacha Mnata, 2. Laurent Alfred, 20. Yassin Mustapha, 4. 4. Dickson Nickson, 12. Deus David Kaseke, 16. Kelvin Pius, 9. Abdul Hamisi Sulemani