Egypt Pip Kenya In Friendly

Both sides were using the game to prepare for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March.

A 26th minute header by skipper Ahmed Hassan gave the African champions victory. A cross from the left by Ahmed Eid found an unmarked Hassan, who headed home from close range.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata played the 4-4-2 formation he prefers for friendly games, rather than his favoured 3-5-2 formation, which he deploys for official matches. He also gave Ismaily midfielder, Ahmed Khairi made his debut.

Egypt controlled the game from kick-off but found it difficult to break down the Kenyan defence. They were therefore forced to shoot from distance with Hassan, Ahmed Fathi and Khairi all trying their luck from distance.

Hassan would have doubled Egypt's lead on the half hour mark but the Kenyan goalkeeper saved his powerful shot from the top of the box.

In the second half, Egypt coach Hassan Shehata introduced several new faces. Hodoud midfielder Mohamed Al-Herda, Petrojet left-back Osama Hassan, Tersana striker Ahed Abdul-Maguid and ENPPI’s Abdul-Aziz got a chance to prove themselves.

However, it proved to be a dull half as the Harambee Stars stayed back in their defence and the hosts failed to create many chances.

Samm Audu