Harambee stars held to a draw by South Sudan in CHAN 2025 qualifiers

Kampala, 

Sunday, 3 November, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Harambee Stars were dealt with an early exit at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with South Sudan in the return leg at Kampala's Nelson Mandela Stadium on Sunday.

Stars Picked up from a disappointing result in the first leg where they lost 2-0 in Juba making it 3-1 on aggregate, a result that means they will only feature in the Tournament next year as Hosts. 

Gor Mahia and Star's captain Match Captain Austine Odhiambo broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a low-powered strike to give Kenya a 1-0 lead. 

Rooney Onyango could have doubled the lead in the 27th minute after receiving a perfect through ball from Chrispine Erambo but saw his shot deflected wide for a corner.

An enthuastic South Sudan side kept piling the pressure which paid off to an equalized just before halftime, a well curved free-kick was volleyed into the back of the net in the 43rd minute, stars could only lower their heads down in dissapointemnt.

Austin Odhiambo attempted to reignite Kenya’s chances with a long-range shot in the 83rd minute, but the effort drifted wide.

Unable to break down a resolute South Sudan defense, Harambee Stars settled for a draw culminated with high possession and chances created. 

Stars, who have exited on play - qualification basis will now be featuring in the tournament as hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. 

The disssapointing result only means they have more work to do to mend their defense and attack line ahead of the tournament. 

Meanwhile, South Sudan will face Rwanda in the Quater Finals with the hopes of sealing qualification to the tournament.

The CHAN 2025 will take place February 1-28th in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.