Harambee Stars Thrash Grenada 3-0 To Secure FIFA Series Third Place
- Harambee Stars delivered a commanding response to their Estonia setback with a clinical 3-0 victory over Grenada in Kigali, sealing third place in the FIFA Series with an impressive all-round display.
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, produced a dominant performance to defeat Grenada 3-0 in the third-place play-off of the FIFA Series on Monday evening at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The victory marked a strong recovery for the side under Benni McCarthy following their penalty shootout loss to Estonia, with the coach rotating his squad and handing Duke Abuya the captain’s armband.
Kenya signalled their intent early when Clarke Oduor came close inside two minutes, but his effort drifted wide. Harambee Stars maintained their attacking tempo, with Austine Odhiambo emerging as a constant threat throughout the first half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute after Ryan Ogam forced a save from Grenada goalkeeper Thishawn Malcolm. The rebound fell kindly to Odhiambo, who calmly slotted home to give Kenya a deserved lead.
Kenya doubled their advantage shortly after in similar fashion. Abuya’s initial effort was blocked, but Ben Stanley reacted quickest to set up Ogam, who made no mistake from close range to make it 2-0.
Harambee Stars could have extended their lead further before the break. Oduor squandered another chance after a brilliant run, while Odhiambo rattled the post and Abuya missed an opportunity to square the ball to an unmarked Ogam.
At the start of the second half, McCarthy reshuffled his side, introducing fresh legs including Mohamed Bajaber, Alpha Onyango and Daniel Sakari.
Bajaber nearly made an instant impact but fired wide after a clever back-heel assist from Odhiambo. Further changes followed as Zech Obiero, Aboud Omar and Brian Bwire were introduced.
The third goal eventually arrived in the 81st minute, sealing the contest. Lawrence Okoth delivered a precise cut-back to William Lenkupae, who laid the ball into the path of Obiero. The midfielder’s effort took a slight deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net for his first international goal.
Obiero’s strike capped a memorable international break for the England-born midfielder, who had already impressed with an assist on his debut against Estonia. Currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers from Leyton Orient, the youngster continues to underline his growing importance to the national team.
Harambee Stars’ convincing win not only secured third place in the tournament but also offered a glimpse of the squad depth and attacking potential being built under McCarthy as Kenya continues its preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
