Kenya 3-2 Tanzania: Amunike's Taifa Stars defeated in thrilling East African Derby

Kenya reigned supreme as they defeated neighbours Tanzania tutored by Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amunike 3-2 in an electrifying group C encounter on Thursday, June 27. It was an all East African affair as the two sides battled to the bitter end for maximum points to revive their hopes of making the last 16.

Simon Msuva scored in the sixth minute to give Taifa stars the lead over Harambee Stars , after pouncing on a rebound of an initial shot from Mbwana Samatta parried by Patrick Matasi. Sebastien Migne made a crucial tactical change early in the second half after he subbed midfielder Francis Kahata in exchange for forward John Avire.
Tanzania's efforts were cancelled out in the 39th minute after Olunga's acrobatic overhead kick to put the ball behind the net to equalise for Kenya. And just as Kenya were still celebrating their equaliser, Tanzania scored another after Samatta exploited the same right wing and beat Matasi with a low shot.
The first half ended with three goals and Tanzania in the lead at the 30 June Stadium.

Avire and Olunga linked up well upfront and terrorised Taifa Star's defense throughout most of the second half. Johanna Omolo's near-post header from a well taken corner then put Kenya level at 2-2 with just 28 minutes remaining on the clock.

Olunga then netted a brace after a scintillating low shot that thwarted Aishi Manula to put Kenya ahead with the scores ending at 3-2 at final time. Kenya are now third in the group with three points and meet Senegal next who are in second place with three points as well.

 Stars next have a date with the Lions of Teranga in their final group game in Egypt while Tanzania will face Algeria.

By Olamide Oyetunji