Lilongwe,
Tuesday, 26 March, 2024
McCreadie Andias
Harambee Stars Michael Olunga led the National team to a triumphantic display in a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe to clinch thre 4 Nations title at the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi on Tuesday.
Stars pulled off a spectacular comeback with a Michael Olunga inspired hat-trick on His birthday. A fourth minute blander saw Reims defender Joseph Okumu score an own goal leaving starts slumping.
Okumu directed the ball into his own net while attempting to make a clearance while sandwiched between two Zimbabwean players.
But with just two minutes to the break, the talismanic Olunga drew things level after he capitalised on an Ayub Timbe expertly placed pass in the box to beat the Zimbabwean custodian.
Moments later their woes were compounded after young defender Teenage Hadebe was sent packing leaving them less-coach and 10-man on the pitch.
Olunga, who plies his trade in Qatar for Al-Duhail, was at it again in the 62nd minute when he surged forward and struck to make things 2-1.
With just four minutes to the final whistle, Olunga sealed their opponent’s fate after he pounced on Timbe’s rebound to make things 3-1 and secure the crucial victory for the Stars.
It was Olunga’s second Hat-trick for Harambee stars.
