Harambee Stars begin November friendlies with defeat to Nzalang Nacional

Jose Miranda’s penalty was the difference as Kenya’s senior Men’s National team, the Harambee Stars, succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the Emir Complex in Antalya, Turkey. This marks the first time the Nzalang Nacional have secured victory against the Harambee Stars.

Harambee Stars Head Coach Benny McCarthy set up in a 1-4-4-2 system with Byrne Omondi in between the posts; Rooney Onyango at right-back; Michael Kibwage partnering his Gor Mahia teammate, Sylvester Owino, in central defense; with Nairobi United youngster Kevin Otiende receiving his national team debut at left-back with a start.

In midfield, it was Yanga SC midfielder Duke Abuya, who captained the team, alongside Police FC’s Marvin Nabwire, with William Lemkupa and Boniface Muchiri complementing the team in the wide midfield positions.

Ryan Ogam joined Jonah Ayunga in leading the attack in a twin-striker setup.

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Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Lazaro was the first to be called into action in the third minute, parrying Jonah Ayunga’s shot for a corner.

Jonah Ayunga then had a glorious chance to give Kenya the lead just past the twentieth-minute mark, but his shot went just wide.

Ayunga then had the ball in the back of the net three minutes later, but his loop over the keeper was ruled out for offside.

The Nzalang Nacional would eventually take the lead at the stroke of halftime as Rooney Onyango’s challenge on Jose Miranda was judged to be foul play, with the former Gor Mahia defender receiving a yellow card.

Miranda stepped up to ensure a 1-0 deficit in favour of the Nzalang Nacional at halftime.