Kenya 2-1 Zambia: Nyakeya helps Harambee Stars earn rare victory against Chipolopolo

The Harambee Stars shocked Zambia in a 2-1 win at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday during a friendly tie.

Cliff Nyakeya's strike and an own goal by Tandi Mwape handed Francis Kimanzi’s side the victory while a late goal by Emmanuel Chabula denied the East Africans a home clean sheet.

Kenya surprisingly started as the 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.

Persistent pressure on the visitors earned Kenya an opener in the 23rd minute when Mwape turned the ball into his own net.

The teams broke for a water break to cool down after playing for almost half an hour under the hot Nairobi weather.

Kings Kangwa and Sakala again failed to score for Zambia after they squandered their 30th and 33rd-minute chances, respectively.

Kenya doubled the lead in the 39th minute when FC Masr's forward Nyakeya fired a clinical strike that Sebastian Mwange had little chance of stopping.

Nyakeya’s goal drew applause from his former Mathare United attacking partner Ronald Okoth.

“If there’s a kid I enjoyed playing with then it must be Cliff [Nyakeya],” Okoth posted on Facebook.

“Incredible to see how great he’s grown as a player and commanding his first-team place both at his current club and the national team. A true example of seizing every opportunity.”

Zambia fought hard and got a goal in the 80th minute through Chabula as the former African champions pushed harder as they raced against time to get an equaliser, and they would have pulled off a draw but a late goal was disallowed by the official.

Zambia came for the friendly seen as the stronger side having already engaged Malawi on Wednesday and picked up a 1-0 win. Their players were also thought to be much fitter having been in action in the previous months unlike the Kenyans, who before the match, had just trained for three days.

History also tipped Chipolopolo for victory as the Harambee Stars have mostly faltered whenever they met the Cosafa member.

The last time the two teams met – at Nyayo Stadium five years ago – thy drew 1-1 in an Afcon qualifier.

Zambia will travel to South Africa for more friendlies against Bafana Bafana, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Kenya are yet to confirm whether another encounter has been organised.

Kenya Starting XI: Ian Otieno, Baraka Badi, Brian Mandela, Joash Onyango, David Owino, Antony Akumu, Lawrence Juma, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Cliff Nyakeya, Masoud Juma.

Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Clinton Oduor, Philemon Otieno, Francis Kahata, Haimi Abdallah, Elvis Rupia, Oscar Wamalwa, Timothy Otieno.

Zambia Starting XI: Sebastian Mwange, Lubambo Musonda, Zacharia Chilongoshi, Tandi Mwape, Kabaso Chongo, Benson Sakala, Kelvin Kapumbu, Edward Chilufya, Kings Kangwa, Evans Kangwa, Fashion Sakala.

Subs: Lameck Siame, Jackson Kakunta, Kondwani Chiboni, Godfrey Ngwenya, Luka Banda, Dominic Chanda, Leonard Mulenga, Chaniza Zulu, Collins Sikombe, Gamphani Lungu, Emmanuel Chabula, Kelvin Kampamba.