AFCON 2019
Kenya 3-2 Tanzania
30 June Stadium, Cairo
Thursday, 27-06-2019
It is always something special, getting one over your neighbour and rival.
For Kenya, they registered their first victory at the on-going 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating East African neighbour and long term rival Tanzania on Thursday night.
Star striker Michael Olunga was the star of the show, scoring twice and the Harambee Stars put their AFCON campaign on track.
Having lost each of their opening games, both side went into the game knowing that defeat would all but eliminate them from the running for a spot in the knockout round.
Simon Msuva put Emmanuel Amunike’s side in front with a close range tap-in inside the opening 5 minutes of the contest.
Kashiwa Reysol forward Olunga then drew Kenya level on 39 minutes, scoring a spectacular over head kick.
However, barely a minute later, Mbwana Ally Samatta restored Tanzania’s lead and ensured Emmanuel Amunike’s side goes into halftime with the slender advantage.
Johanna Omolo flicked in a header at the near post for Kenya to once again draw the Harambee stars level.
The stage was now set for Olunga to win it, drilling him a shot with 10 minutes to play.
The win takes Kenya level on points (three) with Senegal who lost 0-1 to Algeria earlier on Thursday.
Kenya will need to defeat the Lions of Teranga on Monday so as to seal a spot in the last 16.
However, they can also qualify via the four best-placed third teams, that is if they can draw with Aliou Cisse’s side.
For Tanzania, they are eliminated from the competition as they cannot displace any of the top four in the group.
They take on leaders Algeria on Monday at 8pm.
The other games played on Thursday
-Madagascar 1-0 Burundi
-Senegal 0-1 Algeria
Friday’s fixtures
-Tunisia vs Mali @5pm
-Morocco vs Ivory Coast @8pm
-South Africa vs Namibia @11pm