Harambee Stars played to a goalless draw against Uganda Cranes in a friendly match played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole. Both attacking forces failed to find the net of their opponent’s net despite several attempts to break the deadlock. Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama free kick went wide missing the chance to give Kenya the lead at the 22nd minute in the first half.
Uganda had started the match with an intention of getting an early goal and Godfrey Walusimbi swung in a cross from the left but David Cheche Ochieng cleared the ball and reduced the pressure from the Ugandans. Godfrey Massa also failed to find the net for Uganda with his free kick just outside the 18-yard box missing the goal by inches.
There were other golden chances in the match, one which saw Isaac Isinde block Jesse Were’s shot from finding the target after he was set up by attacker Ayub Timbe. Timbe later beat Ugandan keeper Salim Jamal by looping the ball over him but Khalid Aucho cleared the ball before it crossed the line.
The introduction of Danson Kago, and former Gor Mahia striker Michael Olunga could not help change the score line for the visiting Stars. England-based defender Joshua Kemboi was given a chance to feature for Kenya after coming on as a substitute in place of Musa Mohammed.
The Kenyan squad that is expected to return home on Wednesday and will now shift focus on the final African Cup Nation match where they face Zambia while Uganda will host Comoros at the Namboole.
Kenya’s captain and Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama, acknowledged that it was a good game, given that both teams played well, but insisted that they were disappointed they didn’t win the game, given that they had good chances, adding that they will learn from the game and move on.
