Hero Intercontinental Cup: Kenya hammer four past Chinese Taipei to qualify for final

by Chittu Shetty June 8, 2018

Kenya booked their berth in the final of the Hero Intercontinental Cup, after the Harambee Stars defeated Chinese Taipei 4-0 at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai, Maharashtra today (June 08, 2018).

A splendid second half performance by Kenya led them to the win against a tough Chinese Taipei side that tested the dexterity of the Kenyan attacking pressure in the first half, but succumbed to the relentless attacks in the second half, conceding four goals.

Kenya tried to break the Chinese Taipei defence early on but the Asian side held them at bay with initiating counter attacks of their own. In the 20^th minute, Kenya missed a chance from close range to go ahead and six minutes later it was their opponents, Chinese Taipei that failed to get the most out of a defensive error.

Both teams went into the tunnel on level pegging as the scoreline read 0-0. Changing over, Kenya attacked with a rejuvenated will. And in the 52^nd minute, Odhiambo Dennis broke the deadlock when his rasping shot went inside the Chinese Taipei net after a tacky play around the box to make the scoreline read 1-0.

Two minutes later, Jockins Atudo doubled Kenya’s lead from the penalty spot after the Harambee Stars were awarded the spot kick for a foul by Chinese Taipei Keeper. Under five minutes, Kenya changed the complexion of the game and hunted for the third goal. In the 69^th minute, Timothy Otieno broke free of the Chinese Taipei defence line and slotted home to make it 3-0 for Kenya.

Despite the 3 goal lead, a single goal from Chinese Taipei would have knowcked Kenya out of hte tournament, and so the Harambee stars continued to look for more goals instead of sticking back and holding fort. Soon they were rewarded as the Harambee Stars added another in the 87th minute goal through Jockins Atudo making it 4-0 in their favour at full time.

With this big win by Harambee stars, the All Whites have been knocked out of the final contention despite having six points. Kenya will now clash with hosts India in the final of the Hero Intercontinental Cup on June 10, 2018.

– Courtesy of AIFF Media

Also Read: If I wanted to take a point off this match, I would have started a different side: Constantine

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