Harambee Stars sail to final after thumping host Malawi

Harambee Stars sailed to final of the Four Nations Tournament after beating host Malawi 4-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi

Striker Michael Olunga opened the score-sheet right on the first minute even before some Malawi fans could take their seats in the stadium.

1-0, the scores read and without giving the Malawians space to breathe or even imagine how they conceded on the first minute of the game, Olunga was on target again on the fourth minute to confirm what he did three minutes earlier.

On a rather wet surface, the teams settled in the opening half with Malawi side trying to push for a goal but nothing could materialised as Engin Firat’s side contained them well.

The teams went into the breather with Stars leading 2-0, a score-line that made them comfortable considering they were facing a team with home support.

Second half looked a balanced game with Malawi side pushing hard to at least impress the home fans.

Their efforts bore fruits in the 70^th minute after Stars conceded a penalty and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi showed his worth by saving the spot-kick to keep a clean sheet - at least up to that moment.

Stars could not hold back and defend the two goals as Ayub Timbe made it 3-0 on the 82^nd minute to erase any slim hope that Malawians could be habouring to pull a surprise.

With just one minute of the added time left, substitute John Avire fired a superb 20-yeard screamer to make it 4-0 for Stars – done and dusted, Harambee Stars walked into the final with a convincing win.

Stars will face Zimbabwe in the final match on Tuesday – a side that won against Zambia on post match penalties after the two sides drew 2-2 in regular time.