Victor Wanyama struck from the penalty spot as Harambee Stars registered a slim 1-0 win over Madagascar in a friendly played on Friday night.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder rose for the occasion in the second half to coolly convert past the Madagascar keeper, in the friendly which saw keeper Patrick Matasi save a penalty in the first half to keep Kenya in the game.
The East African nation started the match on a low note, resorting to defend and attack in numbers. It was a tactic that gave the opponents more time on the ball and could have been punished in the first half.
Harambee Stars conceded a penalty which Matasi did well to save and that helped the team to come back stronger after the break. The lone goal came from skipper Wanyama who sent the custodian the wrong way.
A Matasi howler almost gave the visitors a leveller late into the game, but Philemon Otieno was in a good position to clear the danger.
Coach Sebastien Migne will have to go and work on his midfield, which recklessly lost possession, and ensures he makes amends before playing DR Congo in another friendly set for Madrid in five days’ time.
His counterpart Nicolas Dupuis will feel undone by his side considering the healthy possession by the team.
Kenya is in Group C alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, and their first match will be on the 23rd against the North African side.
Madagascar will face Nigeria, Guinea and Madagascar in Group D.
