Nairobi News

Ex-Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nyamweya has lauded Harambee Stars following the team’s recent triumphant tour of Malawi.

Stars were at their exquisite best at an invitational four-team international tournament in Lilongwe featuring the hosts, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Coached by Engin Firat and captained by Michael Olunga, Kenya easily won the tournament after winning all her two assignments versus Malawi and Zimbabwe.

“The team’s stellar performance in Malawi has seen the team to clinch the title, demonstrating their talent and determination in the competition,” observed Nyamweya, who has announced his intent to reclaim the presidency in the October 2024 polls.

“The team should build on this as we prepare for the competitive assignments.”

During Nyamweya’s reign, Kenya triumphed at the 2013 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup with goals from Allan Wanga securing a win over Sudan.

Meanwhile, Kenya easily beat Zimbabwe 3-1 in the final of the tournament, aided by three goals from Olunga, including a 40-yard screamer.

Olunga’s goals earned French based Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu a reprieve, after his own goal had awarded the “Warriors” from Zimbabwe the lead in this match.

Midfielder Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, Ayub Timbe and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi are among the players that shone in this match.

Earlier, Kenya demolished hosts Malawi by four unanswered goals to retain her status as the team of the tournament.
Olunga was, again, among the scorers in this game, finding the back of the net twice.

The other goals were scored by Timbe and John Avire.

Fast forward, Kenya will head home to prepare for both the 2025 Africa Nations Cup qualification matches as well as the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers with a match against Cote d’Ivorie on the cards in June.

Stars are also in line to compete in the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in September.

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