Harambee stars loses to S. Sudan on Home ground

Nairobi 

Tuesday, 12 September, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenyan fans were forced to watch in disbelief as National team Harambe start were struck down to a narrow 1-0 Defeat by South Sudan at Kasarani stadium. 

Kenya Police striker Tito Okello's 2nd minute bullet fired the visitors ahead after he capitalised on an error from defender Joseph Okumu, whose back pass failed to reach Bryne Omondi, before sending the ball into the back of the net.

Harambe attempts to restore glory in the eyes of their fans turned futile with chances from Richard Odada, Kenneth Muguna and Joseph Okumu failing to balance the scoresheet in the first half. 

The second half saw Harambee Stars continue to dominate possession, but they struggled to make it count.

In the 47th minute, Amos Nondi replaced Elvis Rupia for the Stars first change when the Singida Big Stars forward went down injured.

In the 58th minute, Firat brought in fresh legs as Duke Abuya and Clarke Oduor came in for Masud Juma and Kenneth Muguna respectively.

A defensive South Sudan proved more reselience with goalkeeper Anyama being forced to come out and block Michael Olunga from scoring rescuing the match for a seemingly depressed Kenyan side. 

Substitute Jackson Dwang had the only significant shot of the second half for South Sudan but his 30-yard thunderbolt went inches over the target in the 80th minute. 

Olunga nearly restored parity in the closing stages of the match when he produced a lovely turn and got off a shot from range that Anyama had to tip over the bar. 

Stars who came into the match smiling following their last week win over Qatar tried to add more gear into the match but a motivated South Sudan was not willing to let go the hard earned victory with just a few minutes to go. 

The loss puts to test Firat's chances as he faces the International 2026 FIFA work cup qualifiers in November this year.