Muscular Kenya edge New Zealand in Intercontinental Cup
(Courtesy : Varun Kumar Mukhia/Khel Now)
The All Whites' Indian-origin starlet Sarpreet Singh scored the opening goal of the game.
Kenya opened their account in the Hero Intercontinental Cup with an impressive 2-1 victory over New Zealand at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai tonight (June 2, 2018). Sarpreet Singh opened the scoreline in the 42nd minute for tNew Zealand but Kenya scored in each half to earn all three points. Mihesi Cliffton (45'+2') converted from the free-kick and Ovella Ochieng (68') added another to secure a win for the Harambee Stars.
Both teams opted for a cautious start in their first outing of the Hero Intercontinental Cup but the pace of the game elevated as time passed. New Zealand were attacking in numbers and came very close to opening the scoring but the resilient Kenyan defenders showed their character until the 42nd minute when Sarpreet Singh finally broke the deadlock.
Dane Ingham took on his own to launch the attack down the right wing and passed it to his brother Jai Ingham who delivered a meticulous pass to onrushing Sarpreet to do the final damage.
ALSO READ
I feel extremely happy when I score- Sunil Chhetri
We have tougher games coming up against stronger opponents- Stephen Constantine
Chhetri hat-trick as dominant India ease past Chinese Taipei
The Kiwis' joy was cut short three minutes later when Miheso Cliffton curled a brilliant free-kick over New Zealand goalkeeper Crocombe's head to draw a parity on the scoreline before the halfway mark.
Following the changeover, Kiwi gaffer Fritz Schmid rang a couple of changes to add more agility on the attacking third. Kenya could have earned an unexpected lead in the 56th minute when the Kiwi defender Justin Gulley's terrible clearance missed the back of the net narrowly.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Twelve minutes later, Harambee Stars made the most of a miscued clearance by Noah James in the midfield to get their second goal. On a quick counter-attacking move, Ovella Ochieng outran the Kiwi defender and rolled it past the New Zealand goalie in the 68th minute.
As the pouring slowed down towards the final whistle, Kenya contained with the flurry of Kiwi attacks to leave the ground with three points.
Latest News
- AIFF Prez Kalyan Chaubey forms five-member committee to hold discussions with Igor Stimac
- 'Again the schedule looks a bit crazy...' - Sergio Lobera on ISL's last phase
- I prefer Mbappe: Endrick on Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappe debate
- 'I like being at Kerala Blasters' - Ivan Vukomanovic hints on his future at club
- "Jamal Musiala not for sale;'' Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl
Trending Articles
- Saudi club offers massive €100m per season salary deal to Robert Lewandowski
- Which Indian football team players have played under current Afghanistan boss Ashley Westwood?
- FIFA World Cup 2026 & AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: 21 March All results
- One record Jurgen Klopp could not break as Liverpool manager
Editor Picks