Kenya thrashes Botswana in friendly

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The match between the Kenyan development side and the Botswana national team ended on 3-1 score line, in favour of the home team.

The teams were matched in strength for the first 17 minutes, but on the 18^th minute mark, Botswana’s Phenyo Mongala and Pontsho Moloi made a quick run into Kenya’s yard, before tricking defender Eugene Asike into allowing them into his keeper’s yard, around where Tebogo Sembowa was lurking dangerously.

Sembowa did not waste the chance and sent the ball flying past keeper Lucas Indeche.  

The goal awakened Kenya’s pace, with Captain Paul Kiongera driving his men into attack. Their efforts were, however, late, at least for the half, because even with the better ball possession of 53% against Botswana’s 47%, the visitors were still on the lead.

Into the second half, in the 46^th minute, Francis Kahata made a good run in the left flank, before releasing the ball to Cliffton Miheso, who headed it wide.

Kenya’s first

A minute later, Kenya were awarded a throw-in which was well floated in by Enock Agwanda, who had come in as 41^st minute substitute for Joseph Kuria.

Eugene Asike awkwardly connected with the ball to drive it into the woodwork, with the ensuing clearance handing Kenya another throw in.

Kenya’s Second

It was again taken by Agwanda, renowned for his good arm muscles. This time the ball found Raphael Mungai was shot was repelled with Miheso taking the rebound to bring Kenya back into the match.

Five minutes later Agwanda stepped out for another throw in, which he catapulted into the Botswana box. The ball was again picked by Mungai, and as the Botswana defense tried to clear the ball, Miheso stole it from them to cap his brace.

In the 62^nd minute, Agwanda received the ball on the left flank after beating an off-side trap but panic got the better of him, even with only keeper Noah Maposa to beat.

Kenya’s third

In the 66^th minute, Botswana’s keeper Maposa was substituted by Mompoloki Sephenkolo. He [Sephenkolo] was to get a rude welcome, with Mungai, receiving the ball just outside the 18 yard box, from where he made an impressive turn before releasing the ball into the Botswana net.

In the 79^th minute, Lemponye Tshireletso, outrun  Kenya’s defense but the shot he released whizzed past the cross bar, leaving the few Botswana fans in the stadium cursing their luck.

Four minutes later Phenyo Mongala, found the ball inside Kenya’s box, after a goalkeeping error by Lucas Indeche. He, however, failed to convert it.

Teams

Kenya: Lucas Indeche , Thomas Wanyama, Milton Milimo, David Owino, Eugene Asike, Musa Mohammed (72’ Joseph Mbugi), Joseph Kuria [41’ Enock Agwanda] , Francis Kahata [89' Abdalla Juma], Clifton Miheso, Antony Kimani, Raphael Mungai Kiongera (Cpt).

Goals: 49', 54' Clifton Miheso 67' Raphael Mungai

Yellow card 50’ David Owino, 71’ Raphael Mungai

Botswana: Noah Maposa [66’ Mompoloki Sephenkolo], Mompati Thuma, Edwin Olerile, Obuile Ncenga, Patrick Motsepe, Phenyo Mongala [90'Mompoloki Sephenkolo], Jackie Mothatego [64’ Thabiso Khunwane], Tebogo Sembowa , Pontsho Moloi [46’ Galabgwe Moyana], Lemponye Tshireletso, Michael Mogaladi

Goal 18' Tebogo Sembowa

Yellow card 88' Mompati Thuma