South Sudan Stun Harambee Stars In An International Friendly

Tito Okello’s strike in the early stages of the game was all that South Sudan needed to beat Harambee Stars in an international friendly played at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat made only one change in the lineup that started against Qatar replacing center-back Johnstone Omurwa with South African-based Brian Mandela. Mandela partnered Joseph Okumu in central defence while Daniel Anyembe and Eric Ouma manned the fullbacks with Bryne Odhiambo starting between the sticks.

Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu and Kenneth Muguna started at the center of the pack with Muguna tasked with the creative role just ahead of the double pivot of Odada and Akumu. Elvis Rupia, Masoud Juma, and Michael Olunga were the preferred starting trio once again.

It was Joseph Okumu’s blunder in the opening minute of the game that accorded the visitors a chance to score the only goal of the game. Police FC striker, Tito Okello pounced on a short back pass from the Reims defender and made no mistake with only the goalkeeper to beat putting South Sudan in the driving seat.

Engin Firat’s charges fashioned waves of attacks in the first half but all proved to be futile. Perharps the best chance of the first half fell to Miguna after Elvis Rupia charged on the right wing to find Olunga who set up the former Azam FC man but the opposition goalkeeper was equal to the challenge.

The game headed into halftime with South Sudan leading and Harambee Stars had a mountain to climb in the second half.

Firat made a change early in the second half that saw the introduction of Amos Nondi at the expense of Elvis Rupia.

Kenya continued to knock for an equalizer but South Sudan’s defence remained vigilant.

Richard Odada set up Michael Olunga from deep in midfield but the skipper failed to convert with only the goalkeeper to beat in what was the second half’s best chance for an equalizer.

South Sudan would hold on till the final whistle earning the first win against Harambee Stars.

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