Kenya’s Harambee Stars beat Namibia 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nation Qualifier staged in South Africa on Tuesday evening to go top of their group.
After being accused of being rigid in their goalless draw against Zimbabwe on Friday, coach Engin Firat made three changes to his team by bringing in Jonah Ayunga, John Avire and Amos Nondi for Eric Johanna, Austin Odhiambo and Alphonce Omija who had picked an injury.
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Despite the changes, Stars resorted to long balls for the better part of the first half with the visitors managing no shot on goal in the entire 45 minutes but the second half was to give goals to the fans who had wanted the same.
It was Namibia who had a glorious chance to open the scoring proceeding just two minutes in the second half when captain Joseph Okumu was beaten to the ball by Tjiueza whose shot was to be parried to the bar by keeper Bryn Omondi who was having a good game.
The opener was to come in the 58th minute when Duke Abuya was brought down just at the edge of the box; up stepped John Avire to send a ferocious free kick that sailed past Kazapua who had tried to block the shot.
Firat reacted immediately after the goal by withdrawing Ronney Onyango for Kenneth Muguna to seal the holes in midfield. Namibia wasted no time by bringing more attackers bringing in Katua and Karuuombe; a move that saw them leave gaps in their defence as they searched for the equalizer.
Stars took advantage of the hosts’ attack by launching a counterattack that was instigated by Eric Otieno who squared the ball to Abuya who made no mistake by doubling Kenya’s lead. Hotto was to pull a goal back for Namibia in additional time but it was too little too late in the game.
Stars now lead their group with four points after Cameroon were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in another game staged at the same time.
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