Harambee Stars beat Congo in Afcon qualifier
Kenya defeated Congo 2-1 in an exciting 2017 Africa Nations Cup qualification match at Kasarani on Sunday evening.
Congo scored first from the penalty spot after Harambee Stars debutant Ismail Gonzalez had fouled an opponent in the danger area.
Harambee Stars responded promptly, with Ayub Timbe firing home a cracker following a mix up in the visiting team’s defence.
Reigning Kenyan Premier League’s best midfielder Eric Johanna then scored a beauty of a winning goal.
The Mathare United youngster raced almost 30 yards to meet an inviting cross-field pass from captain Victor Wanyama.
He thereafter adjusted himself and lobbed the ball past the advancing custodian to hand Stars under pressure coach Stanley Okumbi his first win in three competitive games in charge.
Kenya should have scored more, but Timbe fluffed two clear cut chances.
The result means minnows Guinea Bissau have booked their place as the group winners having mastered an unassailable lead of 10 points at the top following their 3-2 win over Zambia in Bissau on Saturday.
Congo meanwhile, can only hope to qualify for the continental showpiece as the best runners up. Kenya and Zambia have no chance of qualifying.
Wanyama, alongside Gor Mahia’s exciting fullback Eric “Marcelo” Ouma, plus Timbe, Johanna and defensive pairing David Owino and Brian Mandela were the best performers for team Kenya.
