Two goals in the last seven minutes helped Kenya salvage a point in a
2-2 draw against Lesotho in their opening Cosafa Cup clash on Monday. (Courtesy of Super Sports).
Having found themselves 2-0 after 52 minutes, Stars produced a
stirring second half performance pinning their opponents in their own
half and were rewarded with two late strikes as they made their debut in
the Southern Africa regional tourney.
Kenya had arrived in Zambia earlier Monday and went into the match
without having held a single training session. Despite the jetlag, they
started well forcing a couple of corners in the opening minutes.
Ralekoti Mokhahlane had Lesotho’s first chance but was unable to beat Duncan Ochieng who made a smart save on 21 minutes.
Lesotho went ahead just before halftime when Joackins Atudo was
adjudged to have fouled Litsepe Marabe with the referee awarding a
penalty. Ralekoti stepped up and coolly beat Ochieng for 1-0 lead.
Stars found themselves 2-0 down seven minutes after the restart after
a horrible error by David Ochieng. The centre back made hash of a
routine clearance and Thapelo Tale punished him with an assured finish
past Ochineg.
Coach Adel Amrouche had already introduced Mungai Kiongera and he
then brought on Leopards winger Paul were and his arrival provided fresh
impetus for Stars.
They crawled a goal back on 82 minutes when Kiongera headed in a David Owino cross.
Stars were the dominant side bossing possession and they equalised on
the stroke of fulltime after Ralekoti handled the ball in the box and
Atudo dispatched the resultant penalty.