Harambee Stars succumbed to a 0-2 defeat against South Sudan in the first leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers held at Juba International Stadium on Sunday evening.
This tournament, featuring only local players from domestic clubs, will see Kenya face Bright Stars in the second leg which will be played in Uganda on November 3, with the aggregate winners advancing to the second and final round of qualifiers.
Despite the loss, Kenya has already qualified for the tournament as a co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania next year.
Following the match, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat acknowledged his team’s performance, stating that he had tempered expectations due to the team’s preparations.
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He praised South Sudan for capitalizing on their opportunities and noted that they fought harder for the win.
“My expectations were not that high based on our preparations,” Firat said.
“Sudan was more aggressive and fought until the last minute. We started well in the first half, but a mistake in the second half made us to lose control.
I want to congratulate South Sudan, they wanted the win more than us.”
Firat expressed his concerns about the lack of motivation for his players, given their qualification status.
“In my mind, it doesn’t make sense. These are professional players used to competing for something. How can they have nothing to play for?
Having something to compete for is crucial in sports. These matches affect the players mentally,” he reiterated.
The first half was lackluster, with both teams struggling to create dangerous attacks.
Bright Stars controlled possession, desperately needing points to be the additional team that will join the three host nations in the CECAFA region.
Firat was forced to make an early substitution when Musa Mohammed was injured, bringing in Brian Eshihanda. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Just before the end of the first half, Kenya had a chance with a free kick just outside the box, but Austin Odhiambo’s shot was deflected for a corner.
In the second half, South Sudan intensified their pressure, breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute with a goal from Ezibon Malish, capitalizing on a defensive error by Kenya.
Firat made another substitution in the 54th minute, replacing Geofrey Ochieng with Victor Omune, but the situation did not improve for Harambee Stars.
South Sudan doubled their lead in the 68th minute with a goal from Yoohanna Paulina.
The match ended in favor of Bright Stars, who now look forward to the return leg against Harambee Stars in Uganda.
Should they maintain their advantage, they will face either Rwanda or Djibouti in the next round.
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Harambee Stars lineup
Starting XI
Bryne Odhiambo, Daniel Sakari, Sylvester Owino, Musa Mohammed, Geofrey Ochieng, Chrispine Erambo, Marvin Omondi, Austin Odhiambo, Patrick Otieno, Rooney Onyango, Sydney Lokale.
Substitutes
Faruk Shikalo, Brian Eshihanda, Vincent Otieno, Mathias Isogoli, Issa Lumumba, Victor Omune, Bonface Muchiri.