Harambee Stars through to second round of World Cup Qualifiers

Harambee Stars made it to the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers despite drawing 0-0 with Mauritius in a match played at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi on Sunday.

Despite giving a spirited fight and launching unending attacks in both halves, Harambee Stars did not manage to penetrate Mauritius defence and whenever they did so, their attempts were thwarted by the watchful Bazerque Jean Pascal.

The Kenyan squad had Boniface Oluoch who maintained his position between the posts with David Owino making a return to the squad after missing the away match on Wednesday.

Edwin Wafula, Brian Mandela and Dennis Odhiambo completed the defence line.

Kevin Amwayi and Eric Johanna made their first ever start for the Harambee Stars partnering with Captain Victor Wanyama, Johanna Omollo and Ayub Timbe in the midfield. Michael Olunga was Kenya’s goal poacher.

Harambee Stars impressive results away to Mauritius on Wednesday played a key role in Kenya’s qualification to the next round, having won 5-2.

In the match, Johanna Omollo scored twice with Ayub Timbe, Harun Shakava and Michael Olunga’s all appearing on the score sheet. Mauritius’s two goals were scored by Andy Sophie and Jonathan Bru.

The results takes Harambee Stars to the next round of the qualifiers where they will meet Cape Verde in a two leg fixture to be played home and away.

The winner of the next round between Kenya and Cape Verde will make it to the group stages where they will join 19 other teams and battle it out for five slots ahead of the World Cup to be held in Russia.