What Harambee Stars need to qualify for round of 16

The national football team Harambee Stars bolstered its chances of reaching the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over neighbors in a spectacular contest on Thursday night.

Michael Olunga’s blistering brace, that included the 80th-minute winner ensured Kenya chalked up only their second-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Simon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta put Tanzania in front but Olunga and Johanna Omolo leveled for the Harambee Stars before Olunga struck the winner nine minutes from time.

Tanzania, yet to get off the mark, became the first team to be eliminated in the 24-team tournament.

Kenya, who had won only once in 15 previous matches in the competition, have three points from two games in Group C, level with Senegal.

Coach Sebastien Migne’s team is currently the best-ranked team among those that could reach the last 16 as ‘best losers’ and could nail that spot with a positive result against Senegal.

On a special night in Kenyan football, President Uhuru Kenyatta led the country in hailing Stars for a monumental effort to pull in pulling off victory after twice coming from behind to beat Tanzania.

In a statement from the official Statehouse Twitter account President Uhuru said:

"Congratulations #HarambeeStars for your resilience and a game well played, we are so proud of you for flying the Kenyan flag high in #AFCON2019. As you prepare for your next match remember we are all behind you and we trust you will continue to excel." ~ President Uhuru Kenyatta

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) June 28, 2019

Hearty congratulations to #HarambeeStars for beating Tanzania 3-2 and putting Kenya in contention for qualifying for the round of 16 at the #AFCON2019. All the best as you prepare for the Senegal decider. Well in.

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) June 27, 2019

What a splendid performance #HarambeeStars coupled with great composure coming from behind twice to deservedly win the game. Bravo! Kenyans are firmly rooting for you. All the best as you continue striving to qualify for the #AFCON2019 round of 16. Hongera pic.twitter.com/gOJ3FyBogJ

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) June 27, 2019

Congratulations #Harambestars for a victory well fought. First team to play come back and win in AFCON. pic.twitter.com/xfEwt9TUNU

— Peter wambua (@Peterwa62304086) June 28, 2019

https://twitter.com/NakuruRFC/status/1144366472514478080

Now that we have our own GOAT

I don't want to see your small goats.

We only have Engineer Michael Ogada Olunga.
Retweet to Support #KENTAN #Harambestars #KenyaVsTanzania pic.twitter.com/r12o0CYP8N

— Kigen Kibet Msc (@KibetKigen_) June 27, 2019

Stars lost their opening match against Algeria on Sunday 2-0 and they will be facing Senegal on 1st July in the last match of the group.