Olunga shines as Harambee Stars pummel Malawi

Michael Olunga registered a brace as Kenya defeated Malawi 4-0 during their opening match in the Four-Nations tournament at Bingu Stadium on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Harambee Stars meant business as they broke the deadlock within the opening minute. The goal came after Daniel Anyembe spotted Olunga in a good position to score, and the captain made the chance count as he scored.

Olunga was on the scoresheet again in the third minute, when he scored from the spot. Brighton Munthali of Malawi almost denied the Al Duhail SC forward the second goal after diving in the right direction, but in the end, it was the striker who had the last laugh.

With the Flames lagging inside the 10 opening minutes, head coach Patrick Mabedi made a change as he brought on Lanjesi Nkhoma, whose presence was felt as he put pressure on Kenya's backline.

Patrick Matasi was alert enough to deny Nkhoma on two occasions, with the Malawian proving to be a real menace.

Head coach Engin Firat had preferred to start with a packed deep-lying midfield but had to change his mind in the second half. In place of Chrispine Erambo, who was making his Harambee Stars debut, Firat brought on Kenneth Muguna.

Although the East Africans looked dominant just as they were in the first half, Malawi were awarded a penalty after Vincent Mahiga, another debutant, made a challenge on his opponent inside the box.

The referee awarded the host a penalty, with Harambee Stars protesting vehemently. Olunga and Johnstone Omurwa were yellow carded in the process before Matasi saved the spot kick by Lloyd Aaron.

More goals for Stars

After surviving a scaring moment, Kenya scored the third goal late in the second half through Ayub Timbe. Credit must go to Richard Odada, who held the ball under pressure from two Malawians before setting up Timbe, who found the back of the net.
John Avire scored the fourth goal with a ferocious shot from some distance, and this all but ended Malawi's hopes of mounting a possible comeback. This is a morale-boosting goal for Avire, who returned for Harambee Stars for the first time since 2019.

With the result, Kenya made a giant step towards winning the tournament's title. Harambee Stars will face Zimbabwe in the final slated for Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Harambee Stars Starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, Vincent Mahiga, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga

Malawi Starting XI: Brighton Munthali, Stanley Sanudi, Denis Chembezi, Adesope Okedina, Banega Aaron, Idana Chimwemwe, Dinho Mpingajira, Chawanagwa Kaonga, Gabadinho Mhango