Michael Olunga’s goal in the ninth minute proved the difference as Harambee Stars beat highly fancied Cape Verde in a first leg, second round of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday 13 November from 4 pm EAT.
It was a replica of the same result these two sides posted the last time they met in Nairobi in 2003 and Stars now have the duty to pick out a positive result in the second leg on November 17 to book a slot in the group stages of the qualifiers.
Judging by the preparations the national team had going into this match, no one gave the local lads a chance especially against a Cape Verde side which had decent preparations and ranked the fourth best team in Africa.
But the hosts had faith they could do it and the islanders could not cope with a spirited side.
Olunga rose in at the near post to head in a decent Clifton Miheso cross after the later was picked out by debutant Omar Mbongi from deep in his half.
It was the goal Stars sought for to calm their nerves and take cruise control of proceedings.
Ulinzi’s Mbongi in his first ever start for the national team gave a good account of himself marshaling the left side of defense very well.
The visitors had their first chance of the match in the 17th minute, Jorge Djaniny laying up a wonderful cross from a free kick on the right but Carlos Garcia missed it at the far post.
Stars managed to keep their cool throughout, Teddy Akumu doing all the donkey work in midfield leaving Victor Wanyama and Johannah Omollo doing much of the work going up.
David Owino in defense also gave a very good match, covering up for both his full backs and commanding the defense well from his central position.
Olunga had another chance five minutes to the breather, flicking the ball above the defender but Cape Verde keeper Josimar Dias was faster off his line managing to pick up the ball well.
Stars sought to maintain the same tempo in the second half, playing with a well maintained shape going forward and in defense.
Both fullbacks never went up past the half way line often and it was a great defensive plan from Bobby Williamson.
Seven minutes from the restart, Johannah Omollo had a chance to make it two but he shot wild from his weaker left foot with Wanyama screaming for the ball going forward.
Kevin Kimani had picked out Olunga on the left before the lanky striker laid the ball off for Omollo.
Coach Rui Aguas made his first change after ten minutes, Heldon Augusto coming on for Ryan Mendes in a bid to boost his attack but Stars were relentless in their fight to keep all points at home and kept attacking.
Wanyama had a rasping shot at goal in the 62nd minute but the Cape Verde keeper Josimar Dias managed to put a fingertip into it for a corner.
Williamson threw in his first dice, Kevin Amwayi coming on for Miheso who seemed to have picked up a problem with his calf.
On the other end, the islanders had a decent chance at goal in the 68th minute, Augusto’s shot rolling on top of the crossbar after doing well to skip past his markers on the right.
The substitute had another chance to level scores in the 71st minute but his weak shot from the left was well handled by Boniface Oluoch.
Stars will now hope for at list a draw away in Cape Verde on Tuesday for them to progress to the group stages.