Kenya has been eliminated from the 2016 Africa Nations Championships by Ethiopia, losing 2-0 on aggregate after a scoreless draw at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The two goals conceded in the first leg in Ethiopia and two missed penalties sealed Kenya’s fate, according to Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson.
Williamson said,
If you can't score from the penalty spot then there is a serious problem, and that is why we lost this tie.
He referred to Ali Abondo’s missed penalty in the 67th minute and Kevin Kimani’s missed penalty in the first leg match.
Match Details ¶
Both teams had opportunities to score, with Abondo and Micheal Olunga managing shots on target. However, the Ethiopian team also had a swift counterattack that could have led to a goal if not for Tano Getnet’s shot going over the bar.
Abondo’s missed penalty frustrated the Kenyan fans, who chanted slogans calling for the resignation of the Football Kenya Federation leadership under Sam Nyamweya.
This loss marks the fifth consecutive edition of the competition that Kenya has failed to qualify for, having previously lost to regional rivals Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and now Ethiopia.