Harambee Stars commenced their COSAFA Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over holders Zambia in a Group B match played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.Kenya received an invitation to participate in the tournament for the first time ever after Malawi, Kenya’s new-found friend, pulled out following the demise of Vice President Dr. Klaus Chilima.##NAJAVA_MECA_8180877##Zambia started the game strongly, looking for an early breakthrough, but Kenya’s backline, marshalled by three debutants (Amos Wanjala, Geoffrey Onyango and Sylvester Owino), withstood the pressure, keeping the Zambia attackers at bay.In the third minute, a rare Kenya forward foray resulted in Austin Odhiambo dribbling past a couple of Chipolopolo players before crossing the ball into the area. However, the Zambia keeper came off his line to gather the cross with Kenyan attackers waiting in the box.In the 8th minute, Kenya went ahead through Austin Odhiambo, who converted from the spot. Posta Rangers attacker Patrick Otieno managed to outmuscle a Zambia defender who decided to pull him down, and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. The Gor Mahia man expertly fired home past Zambia keeper Charles Kalumba.Eleven minutes later, Otieno got his name on the scoresheet. He sneaked behind a Zambia defender to poke home a cross from his strike partner Benson Omala.From there, Zambia won a couple of freekicks and corner kicks, but Kenya’s backline, boasting good aerial presence, protected Kenya’s lead. The first half ended 2-0 in favor of Kenya.Adikiny adapts to physical FKF Premier League, eyes title next seasonA minute into the second half, the Zambia keeper made a huge save to deny Austin parrying his ferocious shot after the midfielder was put through with a good grass-cutting pass from deep in midfield.Kenya keeper Bryne Omondi, who had largely been anonymous in the game, was called into action in the 57th minute to deny Albert Kangwanda and preserve Stars’ two-goal cushion.Patrick nearly made it 3-0 in the 66th minute, but his glancing header after connecting to a freekick delivery was well saved by Zambia keeper Kalumba to keep his side in the game. Omondi was called into action in the 77th minute pulling another good save to deny Zambia.Zambia were reduced to ten in stoppage time after captain Kelvin Kapumbu was dismissed for a second booking.In the end, Kenya picked a 2-0 win to top in group B on goal-difference. Zimbabwe beat Comoros 1-0 in the other group B game. Kenya will play Comoros on Sunday.Kenya starting XI: 23. Bryne Omondi, 15. Amos Wanjala, 2. Sylvester Owino, 5. Alphonce Omija, 3. Geoffrey Onyango, 20. Chrispine Erambo, 17. John Ochieng, 10. Austin Odhiambo, 16. Ronney Onyango, 14. Patrick Otieno, 22. Benson OmalaSubstitutes: Dolph Owino, 18. Ibrahim Wanzala, 4. Paul Ochuoga, 6. Jeremy Bisau, 11. Aldrine Kibet, 12. William Gitamu, 21. Alfred Tanui, 7. Hassan Beja, 8. Stanley Wilson, 9. Moses Shumah, 19. Kayci Odhiambo, 13. Elly OwandeFour Kenyan Clubs Licensed for 2024/25 CAF Interclub Competitions
