Debutant Shummah on target as Harambee Stars edge Pakistan

Harambee Stars players celebrate alongside captain Michael Olunga (center) during a past match.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shummah scored on his debut for Kenya as Harambee Stars narrowly edged out Pakistan 1-0 in their Four Nation international tournament at the Anjalay Coopen Stadium in Mauritius on Wednesday.

Shummah scored Kenya's winning goal in the first half as Engin Firat picked his second ever win with Harambee Stars.

Former Gor Mahia left-back Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma collected a loose ball at the edge of the Pakistani box, unleashing a shot that was blocked by the defense before falling on Shummah's path who lobbed the ball past a charging goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.

Shummah could have doubled the lead in the 28^th minute when he headed the ball past Butt again only to be rescued by a line clearance by the Pakistani defense.

Moments later, Shummah again failed to double the scorers after a nice exchange of passes between Olunga and overlapping right back Daniel Sakari.

Olunga released the Tusker defender with a neat low pass which he crossed to find Shummah with a low cross from the right wing but the Homeboyz forward touch sailed narrowly wide the left post.

Kenya went the break with a narrow 1-0 lead that they failed to add on later in the final half where both teams wasted chances.

Firat handed two players their debuts. Byrne Omondi started in goal and Moses Shumah, supported Olunga upfront.

Daniel Sakari, Abud Omar, Collins Sichenje and David Ochieng started at the back while Teddy Akumu, Amos Nondi and Richard Odada formed the midfield three. Shuma and Eric Ouma played alongside captain Olunga upfront.

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat and Olunga said they are using the tournament as an avenue for the team in preparation for future key international tourneys.

One of the major goals for Kenya include the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.