1. Boniface Ouloch still got it
Gor Mahia custodian Boniface Oluoch was once again Kenya’s best performer making a string of saves to deny Swaziland on several occasions.
His exploits meant Kenya stayed in the game up until the 78th minute but it would have been worse earlier on. His outstanding save to deny Ndlovu on 60 minutes after the Swaziland international had beat the offside trap to go clear on goal was his best save for the day.
2.Kenya lack plan B without Olunga
Kenya looked clueless in attack with the makeshift strikers deployed struggling to get along with the rhythm of the game.
The speedy Francis Kahata could not get behind the disciplined Swazi defence and find the back of the net despite toiling for prolonged periods in the game. Ovella Ochieng did his best as well but his lack of experience meant the vital final touch always eluded him.
3. Migne needs more time
New coach Sebastien Migne needs more time to adapt to the rigors of African football and start bringing results on the table.
He has done something already in the past couple of days that he has been with the boys and it could be seen in the way they played and their approach to the game.
It is evident that Migne fancies a possession-based game with high pressing when possession is lost. The boys however got tired and the game plan was brought down in the closing stages as they lost their touch.
4. The central midfield is empty without Wanyama
Tottenham Hotspurs’ Victor Wanyama’s absence in the midfield exposed the defense as they had to deal with strings of attacks from the Swaziland strike force, which would not have been possible with the presence of a strong CM in front of the defense.
The deployment of Duncan Otieno and Pattilla Omotto in that position did not help the defense at all as both of them are more attack-minded and have problems closing down an opponent on the counter or when without the ball.
5. Stars unable to deal with pressing
The boys showed the aspect of the game they need to improve as they were too poor when being pressured or when the opponent tries to press them to the high ends of the pitch.
The boys need to improve on how to deal with the pressure with and without the ball. That’s what wins big games and helps you overcome stubborn opposition.
6. Kenyan fans don’t fancy friendlies
The handful of fans that turned out to watch the game shows just how Kenyan fans hold friendlies so low in their priorities.
The noise was minimal and the players lacked that emotional attachment to win the game on home soil. Next up is Equatorial Guinea and perhaps that will be different.