Kenya: Stars Shine Bright to Keep Dream Alive

Charles Nyende

27 March 2011

Nairobi — ‘It’s a wonderful feeling to have won. The team has answered all doubters with two goals,” a satisfied Kenya coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno said after his side came from behind to beat Angola 2-1 in an African Nations Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.

Otieno had every right to feel so. This was Kenya’s first African Nations Cup qualifier win since beating Mozambique 2-1 in Nairobi in June 2. This was also the first time Kenya had scored in this campaign after drawing blanks in their opening two matches.

The victory against Angola was especially inspiring, for have no doubt, the opposition on Saturday was quality.

The Angolans took the lead from a confident finish from deadly striker Manucho, once a member of Manchester United. And they looked well in control the entire first half, confidently stroking the ball around with the tricky, speedy Djalma Campos a whirlwind to Kenya’s vulnerable flat four defence.

That line of Dennis Odhiambo, Edgar Ochieng, Joseph Shikokoti and Eric Situma were causes of ulcers for many an apprehensive Kenyan fan.

Most effective

It could easily have been 3-0 in a half Kenya will want to forget in a hurry. Otieno gambled with a 4-3-3 system that at best was disjointed.

The three-prong attack of Bob Mugalia, George “BlackBerry” Odhiambo and Bob Mugalia hardly got any service from a midfield lacking enterprise and guile.

The much-talked about Johanna Omollo could hardly hold the ball while debutant Joseph Nyaga was simply overwhelmed by the occasion leaving McDonald Mariga to try and cover every blade on the pitch.

Unable to hold ball and build from their half Kenya resorted to hopeful punts up field for the three forwards to chase. The taller Angolan’s were little bothered.

But it takes a prudent coach to accept tactical errors and adjust accordingly. Otieno withdrew the bland Omollo and Nyaga for Jamal Mohammed and Victor Mugabe.

The game turned on its head as Kenya suddenly began to constructively build from their own half with master dribbler Jamal and the equally skilled Mugabe holding the ball effectively.

Mariga was freed to play higher up the field where he was most effective. He had a big hand in Kenya’s first goal running onto Mugabe’s long feed to send in a low cross that Angola keeper Luis Joao failed to clear and a charging Mohammed was on hand to stab home.

The second was really special. Angola again failed to clear and Mariga was quick to pounce on the ball. There was no speed gun at the stadium but that ball must have been traveling over 100 km per hour.

Mariga thereafter got his marching orders for a second yellow card after removing his shirt in celebration.

Stoppage time was tense, but Kenya rode through the storm with 10 men and a packed stadium determined to stay in the competition. It was a gutsy performance full of determination, but there was always a feeling this team is not complete, yet.

Otieno is the third coach in as many matches, and should he be maintained, will know a lot of work lies ahead if Kenya want to play in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea next year.

AllAfrica – All the Time