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Harambee Stars are expected to drop positions due to the loss to Mauritius, who are ranked 180 in the FIFA ranking.
In a disappointing turn of events, the Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars, suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Mauritius in an international friendly played away in Port Louis.
The 1-0 loss left fans bewildered, searching for answers as to what went wrong for their beloved team.
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Lackluster defending allowed the hosts to pounce on a spilt ball from a first half set piece.
Here, we examine the five key reasons that contributed to this unexpected outcome.
1.Lack of concentration by the goalkeeper
The defeat suffered by Harambee Stars against Mauritius can be partially attributed to a lack of concentration by goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo.
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In the 22nd minute of the match, Mauritius managed to score their only goal when Kengy Saramandif pounced on a rebound and finished from a tight angle.
Odhiambo, who had initially made a save, failed to maintain his focus and react quickly enough to prevent the goal. This lapse in concentration had a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
2. Overdependence on Michael Olunga without a Plan B
Another factor that contributed to Harambee Stars' loss was their overreliance on Michael Olunga as the sole attacking threat.
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Olunga, known for his goal-scoring prowess, often shoulders the burden of scoring goals for the team.
However, in the match against Mauritius, the opposition effectively neutralized Olunga's influence by assigning multiple defenders to mark him closely. This tactical approach stifled Harambee Stars' attacking capabilities and left them without a viable alternative plan.
3. Moses Shumah's eagerness to impress after replacing Benson Omala
When Benson Omala was substituted, Moses Shumah stepped onto the field with a sense of eagerness and determination to make an impact.
However, this enthusiasm often resulted in rushed decision-making and an inability to synchronize with his teammates effectively.
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Shumah's individualistic approach hindered the team's cohesion, making it difficult for Harambee Stars to mount a cohesive offensive strategy.
4. Lack of creativity from the midfield
The midfield is the engine room of any team, responsible for dictating the flow of the game and generating attacking opportunities.
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Unfortunately, Harambee Stars' midfielders struggled to showcase the necessary creativity during the match against Mauritius.
The team's inability to unlock the opposing defense through intelligent passes, effective dribbling, or incisive runs hindered their ability to break through and create meaningful chances.
5. Overconfidence among some players
Perhaps one of the most glaring issues was the evident overconfidence displayed by certain players in the Harambee Stars lineup.
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This complacency was apparent until the moment Mauritius scored their goal. Some players seemed to underestimate the opponents' capabilities, resulting in a lack of focus and urgency.
This overconfidence ultimately proved detrimental, as it allowed Mauritius to capitalize on their opportunity and secure the decisive goal.
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