Harambee Stars: Olunga On Target As Kenya Share Spoils With DR Congo

15th June 2019 - by Erick Ochieng

Head coach Sébastien Migné used the two encounters to gauge the team ahead of Egypt 2019 AFCON that kicks off in Cairo on June 21

Kashiwa Reysol forward Michael Olunga (in green) challenges opponent during Kenya vs Madagascar friendly match at Stade Robert Bobin Stadium in Paris on June 7, 2019. PHOTO/ FKF

SUMMARY

Michael Olunga gave Kenya a 1-0 lead after he converted a clean pass from Ayub Timbe in the 25th minute. Arthur Masuaku leveled for Congo 1-1 in the 87th
Congo resumed second half rejuvenated, hitting the woodwork in the 46th. They made their intention to score a minute later but their effort was thwarted by the solid Kenyan defence
Migne used the encounters to gauge the team ahead of Egypt 2019 AFCON that kicks off in Cairo on July 21

MADRID, Spain- Kenya drew 1-1 with DR Congo in an international friendly match staged at Estadio De Santa Ana in Madrid, Spain on Saturday night.

Michael Olunga gave Harambee Stars a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute after he converted Ayub Timbe's left wing pass. Arthur Masuaku managed to level for Congo 1-1 in the 87th.

Harambee Stars capitalised on long balls and quick runs in the first half which gave them advantage over the opponents.

Congo resumed second half rejuvenated, hitting the woodwork in the 46th. They made their intention known a minute later with several shots which were thwarted by the solid Kenya defence.

Their effort was rewarded with a penalty in the 51st, which was taken by Cedric Bakambu but was saved by Patrick Matasi.

Kenya was dealt a big blow when Timbe got injured in the 57th and Paul Were was brought in by head coach Sébastien Migné to salvage the situation.

Ismael Gonzalez also replaced Francis Kahata in the 76th and his effort stabilised the midfield which had been dominated by the Congolese.

Kenya missed open chances in the 85th but were punished two minutes later when the rivals were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box which successfully converted by Masuaku to level the scores.

This was the second friendly Kenya was engaging in after a 1-0 victory against Madagascar at the Stade Robert Bobin Stadium in Paris, France last week.

Migne used the encounters to gauge the team ahead of Egypt 2019 AFCON that kicks off in Cairo on June 21.

Kenya is in Pool C alongside Senegal, Algeria and neighbors Tanzania.