Ukraine (5) v (6) Kenya

By Eleni Psaltis

UKRAINE’S 6-5 loss to Kenya was not indicative of the hard-earned goals and stunning performance by their players.

The wet, slippery conditions at the Melbourne pitch took Ukraine a while to get used to.

A sloppy cross-goal pass by Ukraine gave Kenya's Eric Masheti an opening for a powerful, clean shot.

Kenya was given a penalty after a Ukrainian defender entered the goalkeeper's area.

Elijah Njegu Kariuki wasted the opportunity on a wide shot but quickly redeemed himself with a stunning rasping shot seconds into play.

Ukraine kept their composure - resorting to a triangle formation in the attacking half.

Their strong positioning and accurate passing forced the Kenyans to stand and watch as the Ukrainians gained more confidence and progressed down the centre.

But the whistle blew - giving the Kenyans a 3-goal buffer at half time.

The Ukrainians returned to the pitch - reformed and refreshed - scoring three consecutive goals within two minutes.

Now on equal ground, the contrasting styles of the two sides became evident.

Kenya tried to take the lead with fast-paced breakthroughs down the centre whilst Ukraine stuck to its patient build-ups.

But in the end Kenya's method prevailed, as they ran out 6-5 winners.

Photo: Photoworx