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Austin Odhiambo has shared what Kenya's Emerging Stars did to overcome Zimbabwe in the second half.
Austin Odhiambo, who was named Man of the Match in Kenya's monumental 2-0 triumph over Zimbabwe in the COSAFA Cup on Tuesday has shared insights into the team's strategic adjustments and emotional journey during the game.
Addressing the challenging conditions of the match, Odhiambo highlighted the initial struggle faced by Kenya in the first half, particularly due to adverse wind conditions.
"We had a very difficult first half because of the wind. The wind was going against us so we were finding it tough to pass the through balls to our striker," he explained. This obstacle forced Kenya to adapt their game plan, focusing on defensive stability while awaiting a shift in conditions.
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15:00 - 02.07.2024
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Kenya have put themselves in a good position to advance to the semifinal of the COSAFA Cup following a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe.
As the wind changed in their favour in the second half, Odhiambo emphasised the team's determination to capitalise on this advantage.
"Coming into the second half, we knew the wind is going on our side and we had to push to get the two goals," he remarked. This strategic adjustment proved pivotal as Kenya unleashed a more aggressive offensive approach, ultimately resulting in two crucial goals that secured their historic semi-final berth.
Reflecting on the tactical evolution throughout the match, Odhiambo discussed Kenya's response to Zimbabwe's high defensive line. "In the first half, we knew that the defence were stepping up high and so we decided to play the balls behind them in the second half," he revealed. This tactical shift enabled Kenya to exploit spaces behind Zimbabwe's defence, leading to Odhiambo's opener and Benson Omala's clinching goal.
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Despite the initial challenges and a goalless first half, Odhiambo talked about the team's resolve to overcome adversity. "We were disappointed with the scoreline in the first half because we needed to win the game and it gave us more determination to fight harder in the second half," he noted.
This determination and resilience defined Kenya's performance, showcasing their ability to adapt, strategise, and execute under pressure.
With Kenya now eyeing further success in the COSAFA Cup, Odhiambo's insights highlight the team's unity, tactical acumen, and unwavering spirit as they continue to make history in African football.
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13:39 - 01.07.2024
Emerging Stars coach Ken Odhiambo credits divine grace after tough COSAFA Cup outing
Comoros defeated Kenya 2-0 in the COSAFA Cup, prompting the Kenyan coach to reflect gratefully despite the challenging match conditions.
As they wait to know if they will be in the semifinals, Odhiambo's words echo the team's collective ambition to seize every opportunity and continue their inspiring journey in the tournament.
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