COSAFA CUP 2024: Emerging Stars off to a flying start with emphatic win over Zambia

The Emerging Stars got their 2024 COSAFA Cup campaign off to a winning start with a historic 2-0 win over defending champions Zambia in a Group B match which was played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on Thursday evening.

The Ken Odhiambo-coach side demonstrated commendable efficiency in the first half after scoring twice from two shots on target to race to a 2-0 halftime lead which they managed to hold on to until fulltime for an important victory that puts them on top of Group B.

Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo gave the Emerging Stars the lead in the 8^th minute after coolly dispatching a penalty past Zambia’s goalkeeper Charles Kalumba.

Patrick Otieno, who had won the penalty converted by Odhiambo, doubled Kenya’s lead in the 19^th minute after stealing in behind Brian Chilimina to stab a low cross from Benson Omala into the net.

Going into this match, Kenya had not won against Zambia in a match played at an away or neutral venue for 49 years.

Since 1975, when Kenya defeated Zambia in that year’s CECAFA Cup hosted in Zambia, Kenya went on a 15-match winless streak against Zambia in matches played at away or neutral venues. During that miserable spell, Kenya only managed four draws as Zambia defeated them 11 times.

The result also improves Kenya’s record against Zambia slightly as it now reads 20 victories, 7 draws, 25 losses, 67 goals for, and 95 goals against.

Kenya, who are playing in the COSAFA Cup for only the second time in their history following their group stage exit in 2013, got their game plan spot on by allowing Zambia to have possession with the hope of hitting them on the counter attack.

The Emerging Stars, captained by Rooney Onyango, started with Byrne Omondi in goal. He was protected by a back-four comprising Geoffrey Onyango, Amos Wanjala, Sylvester Owino, and Alphonse Omija. John Ochieng’, Chris Erambo, and Rooney Onyango started in midfield as Patrick Otieno, Benson Omala, and Austin Odhiambo formed the forward line.

Ken Odhiambo’s game plan did not take long to yield fruits as in the 8^th minute,Patrick Otieno was fouled by Chitoshi Chinga, who was lucky to escape a sending off as he was the last man, while chasing a ball into the Zambian box.

It was a clear foul which left Mauritian referee Patrice Milazare with no choice but to point to the penalty spot.

Austin Odhiambo stepped up and, showing great composure, wrong-footed the goalkeeper by placing his right foot into the goalkeeper’s bottom left corner.

Zambia’s urgency to get an equalizer created gaps in their defence which Kenya exploited successfully in the 19^th minute.

With a quick exchange of passes, the Emerging Stars took advantage of the space in Zambia’s left wing on the half space. A pass into that area was met by Benson Omala who sent a low right-foot cross into the box which caught the Zambian defence flat footed as Patrick Otieno stole in behind Chilimina to stab the ball home with his left foot.

Even with that comfortable, the Emerging Stars resisted resting on their laurels and continued to defend resolutely as Byrne Omondi kept the Zambians at bay with some good saves.

Kenya’s discipline was rewarded with a 2-0 halftime lead and the second half saw a similar approach from the Emerging Stars – defending in numbers before hitting their opponents on the counter attack.

Even though they were not as efficient in the first half, Kenya still had good chances to extend their lead with Patrick Otieno almost getting his brace in the 65^th minute but his header to the goalkeeper’s left corner was thwarted with an excellent save from Kalumba.

Zambia’s search for a goal was met with even more resolute defending by the Emerging Stars whose alertness showed with last-ditch tackles, blocks, and clearances which denied their opponents a way back into the game. Omondi was also superb in goal, making incredible saves which preserved the Emerging Stars’ healthy lead.

Zambia’s desperation to find a goal resulted in the team getting bookings, one which proved costly as the Chipololo finished the game with 10 men after their captain Kelvin Kapumbu was sent off in injury time.

With Zambia failing to find a way back into the game and Kenya limiting its forays up front, the match ended 2-0 in favour of the Emerging Stars, a victory that boosts the confidence of Kenya's youthful side.

The win puts Kenya on top of Group B and in a commanding position to qualify for the semifinals should they collect at least four points in their remaining two group stage matches.

Kenya’s next match will be against Comoros which will be played on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Wolfson Stadium in Ibhayi. Comoros are third in the group after losing 1-0 to Zimbabwe, who are level on points with the Emerging Stars but second on goal difference.

It is important that Kenya wins their second game since the best team in each of the three groups qualifies automatically for the semifinals, while the remaining slot will go to the best second-placed team. Emerging stars therefore stand a chance of featuring in the last four if they win at least two matches in the group stage.