Kenya’s Harambee Stars thrashed host Malawi 4-0 at the Four Nations Tournament on Saturday at Bingu National Stadium in the capital Lilongwe.
This means Malawi will play Zambia on Tuesday for the third position as coming from behind Zimbabwe, who eliminated Zambia will face East Africa nation, Kenya in the Final match of the FIFA sanctioned 4-Nation tournament.
Kenya’s Michael Olunga scored a brace, the first coming forty seconds after he tapped in a pass inside the penalty box, and the second coming three minutes after he converted a penalty.
Malawian coach Patrick Mabedi substituted forward Lanjesi Nkhoma for left back Joseph Balakasi quickly, forcing midfielder Wisdom Mpinganjira to play left back.
Even though Malawi dominated the second part of the game, they still had trouble finishing with the ball in the net.
In the 68th minute, Chifundo Mphasi’s foul awarded Malawi a penalty, but the Harambee goalie stopped Lloyd Aaron’s shot.
Ayub Masika’s effort inside the penalty box found the back of the net on minute 82 caused Malawi to concede a third goal, which was disappointing given the favorable circumstances for them to get a consolation goal.
In the stoppage time John Avire sealed the victory for Kenya through a long shot outside the 18-yard box as goalkeeper Brighton Munthali had left his line.
Coaches react to the result.
Coach Patrick Mabedi of Malawi used this match against Kenya to debut a few players in order to evaluate them ahead of the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
“Nothing to worry about, we have seen our weaknesses, and we will work out ahead of the Zambia game. These are friendly and the reason behind is to see how we have prepared ourselves.
“Malawi football is on off season, that has also affected us, but as I said, these matches are here to prepare us,” he added.
Despite several players missing from his team, Kenya’s coach Engin Firat expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.
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“I am happy not because of goals alone but the fighting spirit. Also, the experience for my players playing with big numbers of fans. I love these games because we are able to see the formulas and systems which are important,” he said.
