Zambia dims Harambee Stars in AFCON qualifiers

Kenya’s Harambee Stars failed to go past Zambia’s football team, Chipolopolo, in their second African Cup of Nations qualifiers played at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.

The Kenyan team lost 2-1 in what had been touted to be a tough match for the two sides, both with a point from their first group matches.

Gor Mahia forward Michael Olunga gave the home fans a reason to celebrate in the 11th minute by looping in the first goal after a defensive lapse at Zambia’s backline.

Chipolopolo, however, came back from the disappointment with Winstone Kalengo beating Harambee Stars defenders Lawrence Olum and David Owino to slot in an equalizer.

The match appeared balanced with both teams going for a lead but Harambee Stars wasted most of their chances.

The Kenyan side was punished in the 42nd minutes as Collins Mbesuma scored a second goal for Zambia, three minutes to the break.

The second half started in a fast pace with Harambee Stars seeking an equalizer and Zambia defending their lead.

In a bid to sustain the momentum, Kenya’s coach Bobby Williamson brought in Johanna Omollo for Collins Okoth and Allan Wanga for Dennis Oliech but this did little to help the Stars.

Zambia brought in Jackson Mwanza for Boyd Mkandawire, Kondwani Mutonda for Winstone Kalengo and Lubambo Musonda for Chisamba Lungu as they moved to protect their lead and pile more misery on the Kenyan side.

The win puts Kenya in third place in Group E with one point, same to Guinea Bissau who lie at bottom due to inferior goal difference.

Congo Brazzaville and Zambia lie first and second respectively, each with four points, though the former has a superior goal difference.