Kenya/Angola: Angola Rob Stars, Hand Uganda Vital Lifeline

Sammy Kitula

5 June 2011

Nairobi — Former Manchester United striker Goncalves Manucho’s 70th minute header dealt a huge blow to Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 away in Angola.

Rangers FC forward Kevin Ochieng scored Kenya’s first goal in the 60th minute, but on turning to celebrate his effort, he was shocked to see the lineman’s flag raised.

He was offside!

Ten minutes later, Manucho soared above Jamal Mohamed to head in from a Massunguna Afonso’s corner.

If there was a touch of fortune about Manucho’s winner, it was the least the hosts deserved for an impressive attacking display by Harambee Stars that had them on the ropes for much of the 90 minutes at the 50,000-seater Estadio 11 de Novembro.

Angola had the first chance of a cagey, stop-start first half with a long-distance effort from the tireless striker Manucho.

But the striker hardly troubled Harambee Stars custodian Boniface Oluoch as his try trickled harmlessly wide of the post.

He had another chance on the quarter-hour mark from a similar distance, with the goalkeeper collecting easily.

Those efforts set the tone for much of what would follow. With Mike Baraza on the bench and Inter Milan midfielder, MacDonald Mariga suspended, Kenya were reduced to trying their luck from long range as Dennis Oliech proved to get much going in the space alongside Allan Wanga and Kevin Ocheing.

Neither Flavio nor Miguel Quini could take advantage of the best chances the towering striker Manucho carved open, however.

Nevertheless, it was the Kenyans who had the real chance of making the attack of note in the first half.

Allan Wanga lacked the true composure of a professional when he missed a glorious chance to put the visitors ahead at the stroke of halftime.

AllAfrica – All the Time