Olunga strikes as Kenya, DR Congo draw in friendly

Michael Olunga was on target as Kenya drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their final friendly match staged in Spain before the start of their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Egypt.

Olunga buried a neat effort into the bottom right after Ayub Timbe’s slaloming run through midfield and Congo levelled matters with three minutes left when goalkeeper Patrick Matasi fumbled Arthur Masuaku’s free-kick into his own net.

The drawback from an effective performance by the Harambee Stars was that Timbe, the brightest talent on the night, limped off with what looked like a muscle strain on his left leg.

That was after Matasi had saved Cedric Bakambu’s penalty kick in the 51st minute after the goalkeeper had been punished for tripping Paul-Jose Mpoku inside the area with a late challenge.

Olunga did well to shield Djo Issama Mpeko off the ball, fed it to Dennis Odhiambo who set up Victor Wanyama and the Stars captain did well to beat his man with a dummy only to be let down by his final effort which rose too high over the bar.

Matasi allowed Masuaku’s shot to fizzle through his hands in the 87th minute as Congo found their equalizer as it ended evens at the Estadio De Santa Ana.

Stars will jet back to France where they have been training over the past two weeks before departing for Egypt ahead of their AFCON opener against Algeria on Sunday, June 23.