Kenya punished Chipolopolo of zambia and handed coach Micho his debut defeat in charge in Nairobi.
Kenya beat Zambia 2-1 in a match the Harambee Stars dominated the first hour and deservingly went into the break leading 2-0.
kenya took the lead in the 21st minute when TP Mazembe defender Tandi Mwape turned Cliff Nyakeya’s effort into his own net.
Six minutes later, Nyakeya finally got on the score sheet when he stole the ball from Zanaco midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu in the center circle to race unabated passed four Zambian players before beating goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange.
Kenya had started off hungrier and dominant side and almost got the opener in the ninth minute through Brian Mandela, whose effort went wide despite being in a good position to finish off with a goal.
Zambia stabilised and created a chance in the 13th minute but were unable to break the deadlock as Fashion Sakala’s first-time shot went off target. Three minutes after Sakala failed to put Chipolopolo ahead, Lubambo Musonda wasted yet another big opportunity for them.
Zambia came back a stronger side in the 2nd half as their strong substitutions had kenyas team backpeddling all nthrough to keep off the danger.
Zambia fought hard and got a goal in the 80th minute through Chabula as the former African champions raced against time to get an equaliser,
Four minutes later, Zambia were denied an equalizer after the ball had crossed the line but the referee saw nothing wrong with Kenneth Muguna’s desperate clearance of a clear goal to rob the visitors of a fortunate draw.
Kenya were without their top striker Michael olunga, captain victor wanyama among other professional contigents due to covid-19 restrictions.
Zambia head to South Africa for another friendly as Francis kimanzi Stars refocus on AFCON qualifiers against Comoros next month.
