This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Published on November 20, 2019, by DAVID KWALIMWA
Kenya's Harambee Stars drew 1-1 against Togo at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, a result that may seem like a point gained, but ultimately feels like two points lost.
The draw leaves Kenya with a crucial opportunity to make up for lost ground in their remaining qualification matches against Egypt and Comoros at home, and Togo and Comoros away.
Stars coach Francis Kimanzi, who took over from Frenchman Sebastian Migne in August, was outmaneuvered by veteran French coach Claude Le Roy in a match where both teams squandered chances.
"We did not get the result we wanted," Kimanzi explained in his post-match comments. "But we got something to build on. We want to play well first, and then play well and get a result. The players are working very hard and we are still in transition but we still have a good chance of qualification."
Despite the draw, the Stars' performance was encouraging, with players like reserve goalkeeper Ian Otieno, defenders Joseph Okumu and Eric 'Marcelo' Otieno, and midfielder Johanna Omollo standing out.
Omollo's goal, a rasping left-footed shot from 30 yards, was the highlight of the match, coming just a week after his Johanna Omollo Foundation won the prestigious Fifpro Merit Award for Community work in Dandora.
However, lead forward Michael Olunga, team captain Victor Wanyama, and attackers Eric Johanna and Cliff Nyakeya struggled under the close supervision of the Togolese defense.
The draw leaves Kenya joint second in Group G, with Comoros surprisingly topping the group.
