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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and players like Ayub Timbe and Patrick Matasi were among the star performers in their 4-0 win over Malawi.
Harambee Stars got their 2024 off to a flyer with a comfortable 4-0 win over hosts Malawi in the ongoing Four Nations Tournament at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday 23 March.
It was a good display for the side, with every player playing a key role in the victory. Michael Olunga scored two goals, while Ayub Timbe and John Avire scored the other two goals to cap off a good win.
Here is how the players fared on a scale of 1-10.
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20:21 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Olunga at the double as Harambee Stars dim Malawi Flames to set up Four Nations final with Zimbabwe
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga scored twice as Kenya silenced Malawi with a 4-0 victory in Lilongwe to set up a clash with Zimbabwe in the Four Nations tournament final.
Patrick Matasi -9
Possibly one of Patrick Matasi’s best goalkeeping performances of recent times. Matasi organised his backline well and looked calm throughout the match, he even made a penalty save quite comfortably despite the fact that Malawi were awarded the spot kick under controversial circumstances.
He also finished the match as the captain for the day after Michael Olunga was subbed off for Jonah Ayunga and also collected a clean sheet.
Daniel Anyembe - 8
Returning for the first time since September, Daniel Anyembe looked solid and even provided the assist for Olunga’s opening goal.
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15:32 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Akhulia explains significance of Four Nations Tournament after thumping Zimbabwe
Most of the players who reached the final of the CECAFA U18 Boys' Championships last December are part of the current squad taking part in the Malawi tournament.
He was subbed off at half time, as he is unable to complete the full 90 minutes as he steps up recovery from a long injury, and will be hoping to be fresh enough for the Zimbabwe contest on Tuesday.
Joseph Okumu-7
Another player who returned for the first time since October, Okumu looked solid and managed to complete 90 minutes, showing he is fully recovered from his injury.
Was composed on the ball and did not really have much to do defensively.
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16:30 - 23.03.2024
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Engin Firat criticized African football federations for frequent coach sackings, advocating for long-term development and stability to nurture talent.
Johnstone Omurwa-7
Like Okumu, he also looked impressive especially having returned from injury, but he found himself booked for complaining after the referee gave Malawi the penalty.
Vincent Mahiga-5
Vincent Mahiga looked assured in his debut appearance for the national team although he found it hard to contain his marker at times. He however supported Ayub Timbe with overlapping runs and was energetic throughout, but gave away the penalty.
Anthony Akumu - 6
Akumu did well alongside his partner in crime Richard Odada. He held fort well defensively but arguably should have been more progressive on the ball, as he attempted too many horizontal and backward passes.
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10:42 - 23.03.2024
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The Zimbabwe U20 coach has heaped praise on Rising Stars, admitting they were a cut above his side physically.
Richard Odada - 7
Richard Odada was not his usual outstanding self but played a key role in Ayub Timbe’s goal with a smart turn in the box before setting up the former Reading and KRC Genk man for the goal.
Rooney Onyango - 6
One of his most quiet performances for the National team. Held his own well by delivering dangerous crosses from the right wing, and actually won the penalty for the side’s second goal. He also combined well with Anyembe, pre-assisting that quick-opening goal.
Ayub Timbe - 8
Ayub Timbe enjoyed himself. He got the third goal of the night and was a joy to behold isolating his man on one v one situations before he was subbed off in the 82nd minute.
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21:00 - 22.03.2024
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Chris Erambo -6
The Tusker man produced a fine, if unspectacular, debut for the national team. Given the freedom to make late runs into the box by supporting the attack, he did well in his box-to-box role and showed the maturity that has won over his club coach Robert Matano, who incidentally, was analysing the game on KBC.
Michael Olunga - 10
Olunga scored his third and fourth goal in two caps for the side, which will have done well for his confidence and will shut up the critics.
His first goal was a neat touch into the near post, before following it up with a penalty. He will be hoping to take that momentum onto the Zimbabwe clash.
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11:40 - 23.03.2024
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Amos Nondi -6
Amos Nondi came on as a substitute for Anyembe and did okay at right back.
Kenneth Muguna -5
The Kenya Police man did not do much to influence the outcome of the game other than keep possession well.
John Avire -8
He was on the pitch for just a little over 10 minutes but made a statement of a return to the side he had been away from for nearly five years. He released a ferocious shot into the back of the net in stoppage time, underpinning why Firat described him as someone with special abilities.
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17:55 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars starting XI vs Malawi: Firat opts for experience as Erambo, Mahiga get debut starts at Four Nations Tournament
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has started with an experienced lineup as his side seek to beat hosts Malawi at the Four Nations tournament.
Jonah Ayunga -N/A
Ayunga made his debut for Kenya in stoppage time and did not even touch the ball.
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