Kenya shock Guinea in WC qualifier

NAIROBI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Harambee Star beat Syli Nationale of Guinea 2-0 in 2010 World cup cum Africa cup of Nations qualifier in Nairobi on Saturday.

A goal in each half by Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech helped Harambee Stars to secure victory over Guinea in the qualifying clash.

The Harambee Stars went into the match in desperate search of a win to revive their campaign and they duly responded with a sterling performance totally dominating the match that in the end, the score line flattered the visitors.

Coach Francis Kimanzi made five changes bringing on George Owino, Anthony Kimani, Joseph Njoroge, Macdonald Mariga and Patrick Oboya as he sought to add impetus to the side.

Oliech had promised to score and he made good his promise in only the third minute when he latched onto a long clearance and calmly slotted the ball past the Kemoko Camara in the Guinean goal.

The Auxerre striker gave Harambee Stars the lead after just three minutes with the second coming five minutes after the break.

The defeat is a severe blow to Guinea's aspiration of reaching the second phase of the qualifiers.

The Syli National, who played at the recent African Cup of Nations in Ghana, were held to a 0-0 draw by Zimbabwe in Conakry last week.

The early goal settled nerves and Stars were able to knock the ball convincingly amongst themselves despite being outnumbered in midfield by the Guineans.

Oliech then made it 2-0 on 53 minutes in a breathtaking counterattacking move.

Dynamo Kyiev striker Ishmael Bangoura hit the cross bar with a flying header in a rare Guinea attack just past the hour and minutes later Fode Mansare was booked for diving.

Oliech almost completed his hatrick with 20 minutes to go but his ferocious 35 yard shot came back off the crossbar.

Angola based striker Allan Wanga came on for Patrick Oboya for the last eight minutes and Stars went close in added time but Guinea Kemoko Camara saved with his legs after another thrilling counter attack.

"I have had enough time with my boys and you could see it in the way we played today. We were compact and our players followed our tactical plan to perfection. The players who came on today have done a great job and I am thrilled with the team' s overall play," said Stars coach Kimanzi.

"It was great game and the fans helped us with their support. It was great match and am happy to have scored two today," said Oliech after the match which was also witnessed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Zimbabwe will host Namibia on Sunday in the group's other game for this weekend. The next round of matches will be played next week when Kenya host Zimbabwe while Namibia take on Guinea in Windhoek.