Stars fall in Congo

By Gilbert Wandera in Cairo
Kenya lost narrowly 1-0 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in their second match of the Nile Basin tournament at Police Stadium, on Saturday.
Lofo Bongeli scored for Congo in the 26th minute from the penalty spot after Kanda Diao had been brought down in the Kenyan box.
The Kenyan defence played well in the opening minutes of the match and managed to keep their determined, marauding opponents at bay.
Mafeti Lulu should have given Congo their opener earlier in the match, but he lacked ideas after tearing through the Kenyan defence.
Teddy Akumu was the first to earn a yellow card on the edge of the Kenyan defence as he tried to keep Congo from coming forward.
Bongeli, the scorer of the lone goal took the resultant free-kick. A hawk-eyed Francis Ochieng kept the ball out with a perfect stretch.

Lofo Bongeli celebrates after scoring against Harambee Stars in Nile Basin tournament in Cairo, on Saturday. Photo: Gilbert Wandera/Standard

Kenyan striker Dennis Mukaisi got into the Congo defence for the first time after 30 minutes and the result left goalkeeper Kidiaba Moteba injured as he fought to clear the ball and was knocked down by defender Gladys Bokese in the ensuing confusion.
Jockins Atudo wound up the first half on a positive note for Kenya with an impressive effort, which went just wide.
Patrick Oboya came in for Kepha Aswani at the start of the second half and his presence immediately opened up the Congo defence, Combing well with Innocent Mutiso, the pair were a thorn to their opponents.
Oboya missed the best chance late in the second half when he failed to convert with only Kidiaba to beat.
Mongeli forced another save from the Kenyan goalkeeper towards the end of the second half as Hearvane Maloba earned the team’s a yellow card for a rough tackle on the Congolese danger man.
Coach Zedekiah Otieno praised his players for putting up a brave fight.
"The players appeared uncomfortable in the first half. It was like they were abit intimidated but they settled their nerves,"
"They showed class and iam very proud of them today. This is a good performance for us despite the loss," said Otieno.