Harambee Stars whip Malawi to secure qualification to the four-nation tournament final

Harambee Stars secured a spot in the final of the Four-nation tournament in Malawi after defeating hosts Malawi 4-0 in a semifinal match held at the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday evening.Engine Firat’s men will now face Zimbabwe, who earlier advanced by defeating Zambia via post-match penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, with Zimbabwe coming from two goals down to level the scores.##NAJAVA_MECA_7975762##Kenya got off to the best possible start in the game, scoring twice within the first four minutes of the duel, much to the shock of the hosts.Captain Michael Olunga opened the scoring inside the first minute by tapping in a precise cross from Daniel Anyembe on the right flank.Shortly after, Kenya was awarded a penalty in the third minute after Rooney Onyango was fouled in the area, and Olunga stepped forward to double his and Kenya’s tally.Good shift my boys! Controlled, tactical, efficient, clinical. Eye on Zimbabwe next.. @Harambee__Stars pic.twitter.com/13KB18LSXy— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) March 23, 2024 Malawi responded by making a substitution, with Josephy Balakasi being replaced by Nkhoma Lanjeshi. Lanjeshi caused Kenya some problems with several chances going his way, but he failed to capitalize as Kenya preserved their early lead.The Flames started to see more of the ball in search of a goal, but this left them vulnerable at the other end as Kenya exploited the spaces left behind, with Rooney and Ayub Timbe utilizing their speed effectively. Kenya took a 2-0 lead into the interval.Ghana clinch Gold in 2023 African Games men’s football finalThe home team started the second half strongly in search of a comeback, but a solid defensive display from Kenya kept them at bay. Kenya adopted a less adventurous approach going forward as they sought to preserve their lead and secure a spot in the final.In the 68th minute, an erroneous call from the referee saw Malawi awarded a penalty after Vincent Mahiga was adjudged to have fouled a Malawi attacker. However, the play was offside before the ball was received. Despite this, a penalty was awarded, which Aaron Banega stepped forward to take, but Patrick Matasi in Kenya’s goal made a superb save to maintain Kenya’s lead.Ayub Timbe scored Kenya’s third goal in the 83rd minute with a calm finish after latching onto a loose pass inside the penalty area, before substitute John Avire sealed the victory with a stunner in stoppage time.Ogola itching for more game timeKenya Starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Daniel Anyembe, Vincent Mahiga, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Richard Odada, Teddy Akumu, Chrispine Erambo, Ayub Timbe, Rooney Onyango, and Michael Olunga.Substitutes: Bryne Omondi, Ian Otieno, Amos Nondi, Shariff Musa, Geoffrey Ochiengm, Alphonse Omija, Kayci Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Benson Omala, John Avire, Collins Sichenje, and Jonah Ayunga.

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