South Sudan defeat hosts Kenya 1-0 in friendly match

The Bright Star of South Sudan picked a 1-0 against hosts Kenya in an international friendly match played at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Tuesday.

Fresh from a 2-1 away win against 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar few days ago in another friendly match, the Harambee Stars failed to tame the South Sudan team who gave a good account.

Striker Tito Okello capitalised on a defensive blunder early in the first minute to give the Bright Star the lead.

The hosts fought back strongly with Richard Odada and Kenneth Muguna failing to take their chances infront of goal. At the stroke of half time Joseph Okumu almost leveled matters for the hosts, but his header missed by inches.

In the second half Harambee Stars continued to push forward in search of goals, but failed to break through the South Sudan defending line.

Engin Firat, the Kenya head coach said although they lost the match, his team created so many scoring opportunities. ” We shall keep working hard because our target now is to prepare well for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, ” added the coach.

Okello, the former Gor Mahia FC striker in the Kenya Premier League side it was a nice feeling to score in the win against Kenya. ” These kind of wins keep motivating us as we prepare for more international competitions, ” added Okello.

In November 2023 the Harambee Stars will start their FIFA Wold Cup 2026 qualifiers with a match against Gabon, while South Sudan will take reigning African champions Senegal.

The other teams from the CECAFA Zone that will be in action will see Djibouti face Egypt, while Ethiopia take on Sierra Leone, and Sudan battle Togo. The Amavubi of Rwanda will have their opening group match against Zimbabwe, while Eritrea face Morocco.

Tanzania who faced Niger in the 2023 AFCON qualifier will face the same team against, while Uganda face Guinea and Somalia tussle it out against Algeria.