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.

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