Ryan Ogam proved his ability to secure a spot in the national team squad by scoring his first-ever goal for the Harambee Stars on Tuesday evening, helping the team secure a crucial 2-0 victory against Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Stars at the Gombani Stadium in the ongoing 2025 Mapinduzi Cup.
In-form Boniface Muchiri, who had provided an assist in the opening match against Burkina Faso, where the Harambee Stars played to a 1-1 draw, was the first to break the deadlock for the Francis Kimanzi-led side.
This win propels the national team to the top of the table with four points in the four-nation tournament, tied on points with Burkina Faso, who defeated host Zanzibar 1-0 on Monday. However, Kenya has the advantage on goal difference.
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Zanzibar holds third place with three points, earned from their victory over their fellow countrymen, Kilimanjaro Stars in their opening match while Tanzania remains winless in the competition.
The Harambee Stars received a boost with the return of Austin Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Rooney Onyango and Alphonce Omija, who had missed the first game due to club commitments.
Omija, Owino, and Odhiambo started in place of Hanif Wesonga, Brian Okoth, and Michael Mutinda, respectively. Kimanzi made further adjustments, bringing in Chrispine Erambo for Kenneth Muguna and Darius Msagha for the Burkina Faso scorer James Kinyanjui.
Harambee Stars were urgently seeking the three points from the outset, but fortune did not favor them.
In the 20th minute, Ryan Ogam was fouled just a few meters from the box. Captain Abud Omar stepped up to take the free kick, but his shot sailed over the bar—an opportunity that could have given the national team the lead.
In the 27th minute, another chance arose for Kenya after Daniel Sakari executed a brilliant throw from the left wing into the Kilimanjaro’s box. However, Sylvester Owino’s header lacked power, allowing Metacha Mnata to easily save it.
Just two minutes later, Ryan Ogam had yet another opportunity to put Harambee Stars in front, but his header went wide, leaving Kenya still searching for the lead. As both teams continued to press, they headed into the break with the scoreline still locked and neither side gaining the upper hand.
Kimanzi was compelled to make a substitution in the second half, replacing Bryne Omondi with Farouk Shikalo in goal. Shikalo made a series of crucial saves, preventing Tanzania from finding the back of the net.
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The second half began with Tanzania launching some attacks, but their most dangerous attempt in the 48th minute by Ayubu Lyanga failed to alter the scoreboard.
However, in the 55th minute, Tanzania was caught off guard when Ulinzi Stars maestro Boniface Muchiri broke the deadlock. He capitalized on a cross from Daniel Sakari on the right wing, putting Kenya ahead.
Kenya’s second goal came in the 68th minute, following a defensive blunder from Tanzania’s backline. Ogam seized the opportunity to secure the second and decisive goal for Kenya.
Tanzania made several attempts in the final minutes, but their efforts proved futile as Harambee Stars held firm to clinch all three points, while Tanzania faced yet another defeat.
Kenya’s final match will be against Zanzibar, who are in third place with 3 points. A win will guarantee them a spot in the finals of the Mapinduzi Cup, as well as potentially securing the title. The team is also preparing for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in February.
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