Kenya Stuns Qatar with Historic 2-1 Victory in International Friendly
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, created shockwaves on Thursday when they secured a historic 2-1 victory in an international friendly against Qatar. The match, held in Doha, witnessed an incredible display of determination and skill from the Kenyan players.
Defender Joseph Okumu set the stage for Kenya’s success in the 20th minute by firing the visitors ahead with a well-taken goal. However, Qatar’s captain, Hassan Al Haydos, equalized from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, keeping the hosts in the game.
The turning point of the match came in the first minute of added time when midfielder Amos Nondi, who had come on as a substitute for Masud Juma in the 70th minute, scored the winning goal. It was a breathtaking moment for Nondi, as he netted his maiden goal for the senior national team. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed his elation and described it as one of the best moments of his career.
Nondi’s winning goal not only secured victory for Kenya but also instilled a sense of optimism within the team. He believes that this triumph will propel Harambee Stars to greater heights in future matches. The 24-year-old midfielder expressed his gratitude to his teammates and the coaching staff for their support and guidance.
Kenya’s head coach, Engin Firat, praised Nondi’s performance and assured him of a bright future. The coach’s celebration and the roaring cheers of the crowd at the stadium were testament to the significance of Nondi’s goal for the nation. The victory against Qatar, a highly-ranked team, further boosts Kenya’s confidence as they prepare for their upcoming friendly match against South Sudan.
Despite the remarkable win, Nondi emphasized that Harambee Stars will not underestimate their opponents, South Sudan. He acknowledged that South Sudan would be motivated to face a team that beat Qatar, and urged his teammates to maintain their focus and give their best on the pitch.
As Kenya gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November, the match against South Sudan serves as an important opportunity for Firat to fine-tune his team. Nondi called upon Kenyan fans to turn out in large numbers for the match, as their support would serve as a significant source of motivation for the players.
Amos Nondi’s journey in football is noteworthy. After joining Sony Sugar in 2015, he later became a key player in Gor Mahia’s youth team before being promoted to the senior team under the guidance of coach Jose Ferreira. Nondi’s talent took him to Georgia’s topflight side FC Kolkheti Poti and later Dila Gori. In January this year, he signed a two-year contract with Ararat FC.
Kenya’s victory over Qatar has ignited hope and excitement among football enthusiasts in the country. As Harambee Stars continue their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers, their triumph against Qatar serves as a reminder of what they are capable of achieving on the international stage. The team is determined to make their mark and etch Kenya’s name in football history.
