Ugandan-born Titto Okello scored the only goal in what earned South Sudan a victory over Kenya at the Kasarani Stadium. Harambee Stars struggled to replicate the exciting show that they displayed in the 2-1 victory over Qatar in Doha. The loss to South Sudan opened a debate about whether Harambee Stars are really doing enough in preparation for the November World Cup qualifiers. Coach Firat seemed a bit lost in the game probably wondering why Kenya's ball possession could not be translated into goals in what was his eighth match in charge of Harambee Stars. Engin Firat only made a single change in the squad that started in the Qatar tie introducing Brian Mandela to play in the position of Johnstone Omurwa and partner with Joseph Stanley Okumu.

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In the first minute of the game, Mandela miscalculated a move trying to a back pass to Okumu where the South Sudanese Okello snatched the ball and quickly shot it passed goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo. Kenya then responded with a flurry of attacks resulting in nine corners by the end of the first half of the game. There were also real chances to score but a solid Sudanese backline used every trick in the book to dilute the attempts. Kenyan coach Firat then replaced Rupia with Amos Nondi just two minutes into the second half as the chase for an equalizer gathered pace. With Sudan firm in the backline and the clock first ticking, Firat then made more changes withdrawing Muguna for Duke Abuya and Juma for Clark Oduor.

The South Sudanese side almost doubled their lead in the 88th minute of the game from a free-kick but the keeper made a good save to send the ball wide. Harambee Stars had a clear chance in the stoppage time to equalize when Nondi's fine cross across the goal missed anyone who could connect and make the finishing including the captain Michael Olunga who desperately dived in an attempt to head it in but missed. The game finally had to come to an end and Kenya was left to swallow the bitter pill of defeat. 

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(Image: Citizen Digital)