Striker Michael Olunga produced a sterling performance to help Harambee Stars come from behind to beat neighbours Tanzania and maintain their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of the African of Nations in Egypt.
Olunga grabbed a brace on either side of half time to give Kenya a 3-2 victory at the 30 June Stadium, condemning Taifa Stars out of the tournament.
Tanzania took the lead on the sixth minute after Msuva tapped home from close range when he followed up Patrick Matasi’s save from Mbwana Samatta’s effort from the left side of the attack.
Kenya kept their heads high, hitting the woodwork twice before Olunga equalized with a brilliant overhead finish on the 39th minute.
However, Tanzania restored their heads in front a minute later Samatta snatching the ball from Matasi and powering home for a 2-1 half time score in favour of Emmanuel Amunike’s side.
Kenya came back the stronger of the two sides in the second half and had their reward when a neatly worked corner was finished off brilliantly by Johanna Omollo who headed into the roof of the net to level the game with 25 minutes left on the clock.
Olunga, who plies his trade with Japanese outfit – Kashiwa Reysol, had the final word on the game as he finished off impressively from outside the box into the bottom corner after being teed up by substitute Eric Johanna.
Johanna came on as Migne made a tactical switch, taking off left back Aboud Omar for the forward who provided the assist for the winning goal. Francis Kahata had come off in the first half, making way for Kariobangi Sharks striker Avirre.
Skipper Victor Wanyama, Johanna Omollo and Matasi were booked for Kenya in the match.
Kenya now need another performance against Senegal in their final group C match to progress to the round of 16.
Earlier, the Lions of Teranga fell in the hands of Algeria, who secured their place in the next round with a 1-0 win. The Desert Foxes are on six points and will play already-eliminated Tanzania in the final group match on 1 July.
Sadio Mane and Co will come guns blazing against Kenya, knowing that any slip up against Sebastien Migne’s team will see them exit the tournament they came into as favourites being Africa’s top-ranked side.
For Tanzania, their long wait to win a match at the Afcon continues as they have only previously taken part a single time – way back in 1980.
Kenya has maintained her dominance over their neighbours who they have now beaten 15 times, Taifa Stars having never win against Kenya outside their backyard in Dar es Salaam.
PHOTO: COURTESY
