Smile at last as Stars wraps AFCON qualifiers with a win

Harambee Stars gave Kenyans something to smile about the final 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after whipping hosts Togo 2-1 at the Stade de Kegue Lome to wrap the campaign with a win. 

Subsequently, Stars who were winless in the last five qualifier matches finish third in Pool G of the qualifiers with seven points but will not take part in the tournament set for next year as group toppers Egypt and first runner up Comoros have sealed the top two slots. 

Coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee who was forced to do without four players who were sidelined under unclear circumstances named a squad largely made up of local-based players who did not disappoint.

Stars had their first sniff at goal in the 13th minute through Erick Marcelo' Ouma who brought in a sumptuous corner forcing the Togolese defence to clear for a second one which Kevin Kimani unsuccessfully delivered.

A few minutes later, the hosts were forced to clear two quick corners from the two freekick specialists as Kenya sought to break the deadlock.

Togo had a penalty claim turned down in the 23rd minute after Akate Gnama went down from a challenge by Clifton Miheso but the centre referee Raymond Adeyomi turned a blind eye on the incident.

Stars also had their petition for a spot-kick turned down at the stroke of half an hour after a Togolese defender blocked Masud Juma's shot by the aid of his stretched arm. 

A minute later, Daniel Sakari's went into the referee's book for a tackle on Marouf Tchakei. 

Abdallah Hassan who is in a form of his name gave Stars the lead in the 33rd minute, chipping the ball past an advancing Bilal Moussa. The Bandari flanker who scored the consolation against Egypt last Thursday was put through by Miheso who wittingly capitalized on the space between the Togolese central defenders to pick the isolated Hassan. 

Two minutes later Juma who was handed the armband in the absence of Michael Olunga would have doubled the scores but the former Kariobangi Sharks man fired wide with the goalkeeper to beat. 

The play was adjourned in the 41st minute to allow the medics to attend to debutant Cylde Senaji who had been hurt while attempting to clear an aerial ball but was later cleared to continue. 

Togo's shot-stopper Moussa was forced to a double save in the dying seconds of the first half, denying Juma and Kimani from close range.

Togo returned with more vigour in the opening minutes of the second half desperate to level matters but Stars neutralized their pressure as the clock ticked.

Ghost made his first change three minutes into the half, substituting off Kimani for Cliff Nyakeya who was sacrificed against Egypt after Johnstone Omurwa saw red.

Minutes later, Togo's Claude Le Roy responded by resting Tchakei for Yayra Diome. Ghost made his second change in the 61st minute handing Harun Mwale his debut for Nahashon Alembi.

A minute later, Stars were handed a penalty after Juma was brought down in the area. The Difaa Hassan El Jadidi forward stepped up to convert from the spot to double Stars lead as well as to take his goal tally in the qualifiers to two.

James Saruni came to the rescue of Stars in the 68th minute, putting his body on the line to deny Klousseh Agbozo from a one on one situation.

With a two-goal cushion in the bag, Ghost brought in the defensive-minded and debutant Kevin Juma for Miheso.

The hosts grabbed a consolation deep into stoppage time through Tchakei who reduced the deficit from the spot after Marcelo was adjudged to have handled in the box.