By Robert Kayindi James
Yesterday is one of those days Mauritius will want to forget as soon as possible after being humiliated 5-2 by the Harambe Stars of Kenya at their own turf in the first leg of the preliminary round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier that was played in Port Louis.
Mauritius conceded the first goal in the 19th minute of the game after falling to Johanna Omollo’s strike. In the 25th minute, Ayub Timbe who features for Lierse in the Belgian Pro League doubled the lead for the visitors from a well taken free kick. Both sides kept their shoes well tied until half-time leaving it at 2-0 by recess.
In the second half, Kenya picked up from where they left when Haruna Shakava made it 3-0 inside 50 minutes before Mauritius pulled two back through a penalty by Sophie and the other from Jonathan Bru in the 78th minute.
The host’s sweaty hopes for an equalizer were broken down when the visitors notched the fourth through Omollo making it 4-2 and his second on the day before Michael Olunga put the last nail in the Mauritius’ coffin to make it 5-2 in what seemed like another day in paradise for the Harambe Stars.
Kenya entertain Mauritius on Sunday, 11th October for the return leg at Moi International stadium, Kasarani. A draw will be enough for them to progress to the next round of the campaign.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com