Kenya secured top spot in Group A at the African Nations Championship following a 1-0 victory over Zambia on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Benni McCarthy made a host of changes for Kenya as goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, Alpha Onyango, David Sakwa, Marvin Nabwire and Austin Odhiambo were recalled.
Chipolopolo fancied the opener on six minutes but a last-ditch clearance off the goal-line by Evans Kirwage kept the scores level.
McCarthy’s men responded four minutes later and had a close-range effort by Ryan Ogam scrambled away by goalkeeper Charles Kalumba.
Given the bright opening, there were barely any penetrations in either attacking third thereafter and left the scales to victory keenly poised before the halftime break.
Chipolopolo looked to unlock their counterparts in the second half with a smart effort from the area by Kelvin Kampamba, but he arrowed well wide.
Substitutions by the Harambee Stars under ten minutes from the break, as Masoud Juma come on for Odhiambo while Bonfiace Muchiri stepped in for Sakwa.
Juma almost made a key impact five minutes later with a header at the back-post following a lofted cross, but Kalumba managed to smother him.
Kenya eventually found joy in the last 15 minutes after a smart forward-run from Muchiri released Ogam, who took one touch to open up his body and drilled past Kalumba.
The Harambee Stars were soon under pressure after a curling strike outside the area by Kimpamba forced Shikhalo to palm over the crossbar.
McCarthy’s men were able to hold their own and registered the victory, sealing their spot in the knockout stage.
Photo by Tracy Benta/Gallo Images
