Olunga's hat trick lifts Kenya past Zimbabwe

Football
By Washington Onyango | Mar 26, 2024
Harambee Stars players celebrate after their win.[Courtesy]

Kenya's Harambee Stars were on Tuesday night crowned the Four Nations Tournament champions after coming from behind to thrash Zimbabwe 3-1 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga scored a hat trick to lead the Engin Firat charges to the title as Kenya wrap up their two international friendly matches.

Zimbabwe opened the scoring inside three minutes when Joseph Okumu deflected the ball into his own net before man of the match Olunga took matters into his own hands to lead the comeback.

The Qatar based forward restored parity for Kenya at the stroke of halftime for a 1-1 scoreline before giving the East Africans the lead in the final half.

In the second half, Zimbabwe were reduced to 10 men when Teenage Hadebe a second yellow card in 56th minute before Olunga gave Kenya a 2-1 lead seven minutes later.

In the 73rd minute, Kenya's Richard Odada was also shown his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card.

Olunga completed his hat trick in the 87th minute as Kenya won 3-1.

Share this story
Inspired by Yego, Kipkogei targets javelin glory in Tokyo
After stamping his authority as the undisputed Kenyan champion at the national trials recently held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kelvin Kipkogei is now targeting Deaflympics gold in Tokyo, Japan.
Harambee Starlets seal 2026 WAFCON qualification
The victory confirms the girls' second appearance at WAFCON, their first since 2016.
Legends demand a fair Athletics Kenya constitution
Legendary athletes have laid out their demands as Athletics Kenya (AK) begins review of its constitution following a Court of Appeal order in March 2025.
Togolese international footballer set to play again after breaking neck
A Togolese international footballer who broke his neck during a match in China has made an extraordinary recovery and may return to playing in a matter of months
Kenya's Esther Gitahi handed four-year ban after positive EPO test
26-year-old Kenyan middle-distance runner Esther Gitahi has been banned from athletics for four years after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO)
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS