Kahata Goal Powers Stars To Victory Over Malawi

NAIROBI, Kenya- Francis Kahata was the man of the hour when he popped up with the winner for Harambee Stars who extinguished the visiting Malawi Flames 1-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Tuesday.

It was the second victory on the bounce for Kenya following their stunning 1-0 victory over Ghana Black Stars on Saturday that set French coach Sebastian Migne's charges on the path for vying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals in their Group F qualifier at the same venue on Saturday.

The good times in Kenyan football rolled with Kahata finding the all important goal in the 77th minute in front of a sizable crowd for a midweek tie as Migne continued his preparations for the double header against Ethiopia next month.

Having expressed his reservations about having little time with his squad ahead of the crucial Ghana tie, Migne retained much faith in the team that sunk the three-time African champions, making only two changes to his first 11 from Saturday.

Jockins Atudo started in place of injured Philemon Otieno and Japan-based striker Michael Olunga gave way for Jesse Were, the Zambia league leaders Zesco United FC marksman who probably missed his chance to come off the bench last weekend when Stars were forced to see off the game with 10 men.

Malawi got the game underway and the play was shaky in the opening stages with both sides giving away possession loosely. 

Good passes

Things cooled down as Stars managed to put together a series of good passes that resulted in an attempted cross by Ovella Ochieng in the 15th but it was blocked for a corner. 

Atudo rose well to head the resultant corner kick but his effort was easily gathered by Muthali Brighton in the Malawi goal. 

The move seemed to instill confidence to the home team as they continued to dictate possession. 

In the 22nd, Kahata found Ochieng on the right wing but his attempted cross was deflected and gathered by the Malawi goalkeeper. 

The Flames got the first real chance of the game in the 28th when Gerald Phiri sent a right-footed shot toward the goal but Patrick Matasi was equal to the task, pulling off a fine save to keep the scores at 0-0. 

The chances became rare as the game progressed with both teams giving away free-kicks cheaply for reckless challenges at the centre of the pitch. 

Eric Johanna sent in a fantastic ball into the box from a set piece delivery in the 40th which was met by a rising Dennis Owino but his header went agonisingly over the bar. 

The crowd rose to their feet a minute later when the speedy winger Ochieng showed a clean pair of heels down the right flank but his cross flew straight into the goalkeepers hands. 

Migne made two changes at the break, bringing on Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma and Pistone Mutamba for Ovella Ochieng and Were. 

Dominated possession

The host kicked off the half on the right foot and dominated possession without premium until the 52nd when Eric Johanna unleashed a left footed shot following a corner that was blocked by the Malawi defence. 

They continued to pile pressure on the visitors and Ouma was unlucky not to get a shot away following a great attacking move from Stars. 

Mbulu Richard was taken off for Malawi and was replaced by Msowoya Chiukepo in the 56th before Migne responded by resting Ismail Said Athuman for Anthony Akumu as the search for the breakthrough continued.

Ouma was at it again when he pounced on a Kahata block and went down the left flank but his attempt to pick out his fellow substitute Mutamba eluded his teammate and rolled harmlessly into the grate hands of Munthali.

Malawi hit back in the 67th when Alfred Manyoro fired a shot on target but it was easy picking for Matasi.

A minute later, Ouma came close with a header that went inches over the bar as the crowd went into a frenzy before Migne hauled off Johanna for Abdalla Abdalla Hassan. 

Mutamba was next to try his luck for Stars with a right-footed volley but John Lanjesi blocked the effort.

It was not long before the home fans erupted when SportPesa Premier League champions, Gor Mahia FC midfield conductor, Kahata finally unlocked the Flames rearguard when he scorched their net with the opener with a left-footed finish from a brilliant pass by Ouma.

Seeking to close out the game, Migne introduced defender David 'Cheche' Ochieng in the 82nd, replacing Dennis Odhiambo and his opposite number replied by a double substitution that saw Patrick Phiri and Frank Banda enter the fray.

Two minutes later, Joash Onyango failed to convert from the penalty box with a header from a corner. 

With a couple of minutes left on the clock, Ouma who had a polished display since coming on was in the thick of things as he weaved through two players and lay it off for Akumu who thumped the ball inches wide. 

The fourth official raised his board and there were to be four extra minutes to be added on. 

Stars did well to soak in the pressure and hang on for the morale-boosting win ahead of their back to back AFCON qualifiers against Ethiopia in October.