Birthday boy Olunga bags hat-trick as Kenya clinches four-nations title

Captain Michael Olunga banged in a hat-trick on his 30th birthday on Tuesday evening as ten-man Harambee Stars clinched the four nations tournament defeating Zimbabwe Warriors 3-1 in the final in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Zimbabwe drew first blood in the fourth minute through Joseph Okumu's own goal after the Stade Reims defender directed the ball into his own net while attempting to make a clearance while sandwiched between two Zimbabwean players.

However, Kenya shrugged off the slow start when Olunga connected Ayub Masika’s cross shortly before the break.

Moments later their woes were compounded after young defender Teenage Hadebe was sent packing leaving them less-coach and 10-man on the pitch.

Kenya made the most of their superior numbers by taking the lead five minutes past the half-hour mark courtesy of Olunga’s fierce shot from inside the area.

Despite Kenya being reduced to ten men later after Richard Odada was given the marching orders after second yellow card, Olunga put the game beyond the opponents reach with a thunderous shot three minutes from time to make it 3-1.

Kenya now has won six times, drawn four times and lost once to Zimbabwe with 2008 being the last time both sides meet during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign

Kenya

Manager: Engin Firat

Patrick Matasi, Vincent Mahiga, Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Rooney Onyango, Anthony Akumu, Christine Erambo, Richard Odada, Michael Olunga, Ayub Timbe Masika.

Manager: Norman Mapeza

Donovan Bernard, Gerald Takwara, Teenage Hadebe, Munashe Garananga, Junior Mukunike, Walter Musona, Andy Rinomhota, Marshall Munetsi, Macauley Bonne, Daniel Msendani, Tino Kadewere