- The Kenya vs Equatorial Guinea match ended 1–0 in favour of the Nzalang Nacional in an international friendly.
- The match was staged at the Emir Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday, November 14.
- Jose Miranda scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot as Equatorial Guinea secured their first-ever win in two possible meetings against Kenya.
Jose Miranda’s penalty was the difference as Kenya’s men national football team, the Harambee Stars, succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the Emir Complex in Antalya, Turkey. This marks the first time the Nzalang Nacional have secured victory against the Harambee Stars.
Harambee Stars head coach Benny McCarthy set up in a 4-4-2 system with Byrne Omondi in between the posts; Rooney Onyango at right-back; Michael Kibwage partnering his Gor Mahia teammate Sylvester Owino in central defense with Nairobi United youngster Kevin Otiende receiving his national team debut at left-back.
In midfield, it was Yanga SC midfielder Duke Abuya, who captained the team, alongside Police FC’s Marvin Nabwire, with William Lemkupa and Boniface Muchiri complementing the team in the wide midfield positions. Ryan Ogam joined Jonah Ayunga in leading the attack in a twin-striker setup.
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Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Lazaro was the first to be called into action in the third minute, parrying Jonah Ayunga’s shot for a corner.
Ayunga then had a glorious chance to give Kenya the lead just past the twentieth-minute mark, but his shot went just wide.
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Ayunga then had the ball in the back of the net three minutes later, but his loop over the keeper was ruled out for offside.
The Nzalang Nacional would eventually take the lead at the stroke of halftime as Rooney Onyango’s challenge on Jose Miranda was judged to be foul play, with the former Gor Mahia defender receiving a yellow card.
Miranda stepped up to ensure a 1-0 deficit in favour of the Nzalang Nacional at halftime.
The Harambee Stars’ first change of the night was a double swoop, with Austin Odhiambo and Ovella Ochieng’ replacing William Lenkupae and Boniface Muchiri, respectively, in the 70th minute.
McCarthy would then do a double change with ten minutes to go, with Shariff Musa coming in for Ryan Ogam and Alphonce Omija replacing Michael Kibwage in a largely uneventful second half.
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In the last change of the night, McCarthy brought on teenage sensation Aldrine K’Ibet to replace Marvin Nabwire in midfield with five minutes of regular time to play.
The match would end in a 1-0 win for the Central African nation.
Kenya will now face the Lions of Teranga, Senegal, on November 18th in the country’s final match of the year, as Equatorial Guinea battle it out against Madagascar.
Kenya vs Equatorial Guinea Lineups
Harambee Stars Starting Lineup
Byrne Omondi , Rooney Onyango,Kevin Otiende, Michael Kibwage , Sylvester Owino,Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, William Lenkupae, Boniface Muchiri,Ryan Ogam, Jonah Ayunga.
Equatorial Guinea Starting 11
Jesus Lazaro, Esteban Orocko, Senrah Nestor, Marvin Jose,Nduwuisi, Charles,Ganet, Pablo,Omar Gonzalez,Miranda Jose, Santiago Bocari, Pedro Obiang’,Luis Miguel