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Stars down and out


Kenya has been bundled out of the 2016 Africa Nations Championships by Ethiopia. The Harambee Stars were knocked out 2-0 on aggregate after they were held to a scoreless draw by the visiting team on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

As it turned out, the two goals that Bobby Williamson’s men conceded in the first leg two weeks ago in Ethiopia and two missed penalties over the two-leg tie sealed Kenya’s fate.

“If you cant score from the penalty spot then there is a serious problem, and that is why we lost this tie,” Williamson lamented in reference to Ali Abondo’s missed penalty in the 67th minute.

In the first leg match, Kevin Kimani also missed from the spot.

FANS’ FRUSTRATION

Both teams were full of running in the opening period, but it took 25 minutes for the home team to find a sniff at goal through Abondo’s effort.

Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson urges his players on during the Africa Nations Championships match against Ethiopia at the Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO
Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson urges his players on during the Africa Nations Championships match against Ethiopia at the Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO

Micheal Olunga also managed a shot on target at the stroke of half-time, which was gathered comfortably by the Ethiopian custodian.

Then the nimble footed visitors had a swift counter attack that covered the full length of the pitch, only for Tano Getnet to blaze his shot over the bar, with only Kenya custodian Boniface Oluoch to beat.

Abondo’s missed penalty summed up the frustration of the Kenyan fans who chanted a slogan calling for the resignation of the Football Kenya Federation leadership under the leadership of Sam Nyamweya.

Kenya has now failed to qualify for each of the five editions of this competition, which is a strict preserve of the local based players, losing to regional rivals Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and now, Ethiopia.