Group 5 - Mauritania 0-0 Kenya Muriri had two shots cleared off the line |
Kenya's players joined in a huddle in the centre of the pitch at the end of Friday's match in Noukchott knowing their dream of making the Nations Cup finals has nearly arrived. Despite having the best of the chances in an open game against the Mauritanians, they were well pleased with the draw that takes them to ten points at the top of Group 5.
John Muriri twice had the ball cleared off the Mauritanian goal-line as the Kenyans went for the win that would virtually guarantee them a place at Tunisia 2004. But the Mauritanians showed much more resistance than the first leg in Nairobi, which they lost 4-0, and forced Kenyan keeper Francis Onyiso to pull off a series of smart saves to keep the Harambee Stars in the game.
The lack of a goal says more about the poor finishing than a lack of chances.
Both sides had plenty of corners and developed dangerous positions in open play, but failed to convert any of them. But Kenya will not mind - they have gained a valuable away point that puts them in an almost unassailable position with just two rounds left to play.
MMIX
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