KPL AllStars suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Spanish side Cordoba in a friendly played on Wednesday night.
Coach Stanley Okumbi named a strong side that included experienced goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch, defenders Musa Mohammed and Robinson Kamura, midfielder Victor Majid and forward Samuel Onyango. The Spanish side had the likes of Alex Vallejo, Sasa Marcovic, and striker Jonathan Mejja.
The two sides came into the match with different intentions, the hosts preparing for the new season starting next month and Okumbi trying to gauge his players ahead of January Chan competition which Kenya is set to host.
Cordoba settled early, laying the ball around trying to force AllStars into making mistakes, but that was not the case with Victor Majid and Jackson Macharia matching them. But as the match wore on, the Kenyan side started being casual with possession, starting with goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch, whose goal kicks went to the opponents.
AllStars were punished in the 20th minute; the ball was played to Victor Menna on the left wing, and he crossed the ball for Jonathan Mejja, who was unmarked, to head it in.
AllStars reacted almost immediately as Ulinzi Stars man Samuel Onyango went past his marker and crossed the ball to the danger zone where it found Macharia, who passed the ball to AFC Leopards man Victor Oburu; the youngster unleashed a fierce shot which was tipped out for a corner which was unfortunately fruitless.
After the break, Cordoba came in a more organized side, putting their opponents under intense pressure, and as time went by, Kenya was reduced to chasing shadows. In the 54th minute, Cordoba doubled their advantage in a similar fashion as the first one.
The ball was played to Javi Galan, Musa Mohammed failed to clear it and it kindly fell to Sergi Gurdiola, who put the ball in the back of the net. Boniface Muchiri was brought in in place of Ovella Ochieng with Okumbi trying to get at least a goal.
However it was Cordoba, who made it three, this time round from a penalty spot. Simon Mbugua handled the ball in the eighteen yard box and the referee had no option but point to the spot, and Roberto Quiles rose for the occasion, sending Oluoch the wrong way.
It was 4-0 with almost 20 minutes to go, this time round Gor Mahia captain Musa Mohammed bringing down Javi Galan, and Alejandro Alfaro confidently struck the ball past hapless Oluoch. Lesson well learnt for the Kenyan side ahead of Saturday friendly against Sevilla Atletico.
KPL AllStars starting XI: Boniface Oluoch (GK), Musa Mohammed, Robinson Kamura, Simon Mbugua, Wesley Onguso, Victor Majid, Patillah Omotto, Ovellah Ochieng’, Samuel Onyango, Jackson Macharia and Vincent Oburu.
Subs: Mathias Kigonya (GK), Maurice Ojwang’, Boniface Muchiri, Benson Iregi, Clinton Kisiavuki and Victor Omondi.
