Harambee Stars wrapped up their FIFA Series campaign in Kigali, Rwanda, on a high note with a commanding 3-0 victory over Grenada national football team, securing a third-place finish in the four-nation tournament.
Goals from Austine Odhiambo, Ryan Ogam, and Zech Obiero ensured Kenya ended their campaign on a positive note after falling short in the opening fixture.
From the onset, Kenya showed intent and attacking urgency. As early as the fourth minute, Grenada were put under pressure when Clarke’s attempted lob drifted inches wide following a well-weighted pass from Odhiambo. Moments later, Odhiambo continued to pull the strings, forcing the Grenadian goalkeeper into action with a well-struck free kick that was parried away for a corner.
The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute through Odhiambo, who reacted quickest to a loose ball after the Grenada goalkeeper failed to deal cleanly with an initial effort from Ogam. The midfielder calmly slotted home to give Kenya a deserved lead.
Five minutes later, Ogam doubled the advantage, continuing his fine form in the tournament. Having already scored Kenya’s lone goal against Estonia in the opening match, the forward once again found the back of the net to make it 2-0, putting Harambee Stars firmly in control.
Kenya remained on the front foot for the remainder of the first half. Odhiambo came close to adding a third in the 31st minute, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar, while Erambo also threatened just before the break with a shot that narrowly missed the target. By halftime, Kenya held a comfortable 2-0 lead, reflecting their dominance.
Head coach Benni McCarthy made several changes at the start of the second half, introducing Mohammed Bajaber, Sakari, and Alpha Onyango as Kenya looked to maintain intensity. Bajaber nearly made an immediate impact but saw his effort drift inches wide, while Alpha’s volley also missed the target.
Further changes followed just past the hour mark, with a host of substitutions allowing fresh legs onto the pitch. The tempo dipped slightly, but Kenya remained in control of proceedings.
The third goal arrived in the 80th minute when Obiero found the back of the net, sealing a comfortable victory for Harambee Stars and putting the result beyond doubt.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 win for Kenya, a result that secured third place in the tournament following their earlier defeat on penalties after a 1-1 draw, where missed spot-kicks from Bajaber and Richard Odada proved costly.
