Harambee Stars Shift Attention to Congo after Rwanda Assignment

Kenya national team Harambee Stars are expected to return in the country today, June 8, after a fairly strong show away in Rwanda.

Stars traveled to Kigali on Friday last week and participated in a four-nation tournament to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Bobby Williamson’s side were held to a barren draw against hosts Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in their first clash.

They however turned on the style on Sunday, beating neighbours South Sudan 2-0. Captain, Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama netted the opener from the spot in the first half, before Gor Mahia hitman Michael Olunga added the second late on in the match. 

It was Olunga’s senior and he marked it with a goal, his fourth strike in Kenyan colours having bagged a hat-trick in last month’s Olympics Qualifier clash against Botswana. 

Stars , who are now full-strength after the end of the Kenya Premier League mid-season will now focus their attention in the first leg AFCON qualifier clash away to Congo Brazzaville set for Owande City this Sunday.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Gor Mahia Finish First Half of KPL Season Unbeaten

Reigning Kenya Premier League Champions, Gor Mahia, beat Tusker 1-0 in a tense clash at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, to finish the half-season unbeaten.

Rwandan forward, Meddie Kagere had the capacity crowd at the Stadium celebrating after he found the winning goal in the 77th minute.

Gor Mahia began the match in a cagey manner and could have fallen behind as early as the third minute when Jesse Were was let through but Musa Mohamed recovered just in time to make a timely interception before the forward pulled the trigger.

The nervy moment awakened the two-time KPL champions and Michael Olunga thought he had scored against his former employers but Tusker keeper Martin Musalia pulled off a double save. Olunga was proving a constant threat keeping Brewers center-halves Donald Mosoti and Loyd Wahome awake all the time.

However, neither of the two KPL giants managed to take the lead with the game leveled 0-0 at the break. Franck Nuttal’s side began the second half with more intent and decided to attack the wings. Karim Nizigiyimana floated in crosses into the Tusker box but Kagere and Olunga failed to connect.

Kogalo would find the breakthrough in the 77th minute with Kagere netting, his 9th strike of the season. The 14-time champions managed the rest of the match to claim the three points which all but ended Tusker’s slim title hopes.

With Sofapaka losing 1-0 in a dramatic clash with AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia closed the half-season with a 12-point lead.

In a match played earlier at the same stadium, substitute Allan Katerega scored an 81st winner for Ushuru FC in a 1-0 win over hosts Western Stima. The dull game only sprung to life after Katerega entered the scene in place of Mohamed Hassan. He headed home a Moses Odhiambo cross to give Ken Kenyatta’s side the full points which took them 5th on the log.

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Ethiopia’s Ayalew Denies Kenya Podium Finish in Rome

Kenya’s Virginia Nyambura failed to repeat her Doha heroics in Thursday night’s Rome Diamond League as she was beaten by compatriot Hyvin Kiyeng in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.

Nyambura who went against the script to win in Doha despite being drafted as a pacesetter looked comfortable during the race but was beaten to the finish line by Kiyeng who clocked a personal best 9:15.08 on her way to victory. Nyambura’s 9:15.75 saw her make a further improvement on her personal best.

Ethiopia’s Ayalew Hiwot got in between Nyambura and fourth-placed Lidya Chepkurui to deny Kenya a podium finish.

In the men’s 5000m, Kenya’s Paul Tanui finished second in 12:28.69 behind 17-year-old Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, whose 12:58.39 was the fastest time this year.

World 800m champion Mohammed Aman won the two-lap race in a world leading 1:43.56 ahead of Nijel Amos in second with Kenya’s Job Kinyor third.

Dutch Hassan Sifan produced a strong kick down the home stretch to win the women’s 1500m. American Jennifer Simpson was second, Dawit Seyaum of Ethiopia third while Kenya’s Viola Kibiwott finished in a disappointing 5th. 

American Justin Gatlin hit another stride on his return from serving two doping bans by setting a new meet record at the IAAF Diamond League Rome Golden Gala Thursday night. 

The 33-year-old turned on his fastest mode yet bolting to the finish line in the men’s 100m in 9.72 seconds, a new meeting record that shaved 0.04 seconds off Usain Bolt’s 9.76 set in 2012. 

Gatlin zoomed off the blocks in searing pace and raced clear of the field to post what is the 7th fastest time in history to give Jamaican World Champion Bolt another nightmare. 

Although he reiterated that he’s not thinking of a much-awaited clash with Bolt at the World Championships in Beijing in August, the manner in which he is performing gives indications of a man who wants to conquer all.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!