[/media-credit] Kenya Harambee Stars forward Micheal Olunga scored the consolation against Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone edged ten-man Kenya 2-1 in the opening Group F game of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at Siaka Stevens Stadium, Freetown on Saturday.
Julius Wobay scored the opener with a wonder left footed finish after K. Kamara’s donkey work on the left in the 22nd minute to take a 1-0 first half lead.
Totteham Hotspurs midfielder and Kenyan captain Victor Wanyama came close with a well executed shot that missed target by inches on 26 minutes.
The visitors played with 10 men for almost 47 minutes following a first half send off for Brian Mandela Onyango for a malicious tackle on Lassani Camara.
The numerical advantage played to full advantage of the home team before a fully packed stadium.
Umaru Bangura’s penalty made it 2-0 with 20 minutes to go.
Striker Michael Olunga, who had earlier hit the cross bar inside 10 yards in the 36th minute, eventually pulled a goal back in the 76th minute to create a tense finish to the match.
Olunga struck a fabulous free-kick with the inside of his treasured left foot from 25 yards.
The other Group F match between Ghana Black Stars and the Ethiopia Walia Stars will be played on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi.
