Michael Olunga scored a goal in either half as Kenya restored it’s hope for an Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 berth with a 3-2 victory over East Africa neighbors Tanzania in a thrilling Group C match at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo on Thursday night. Kenya twice came from behind to draw 2-2 before Olunga scored the winner with a nasty low shot off a swiftly executed counter attack. Stars will now need to pick at least a point against Senegal in the final match of the group on Monday to have some concrete hope of remaining in Egypt for the round of 16.

The Japan-based forward equalised in the first half and scored the 80th-minute winner in a lively east African derby. Johanna Omolo was the other scorer for Kenya, who trailed 2-1 at half-time. Saimon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta netted for Tanzania, who have never won a Cup of Nations match in two appearances spanning 39 years. Earlier, Algeria defeated Senegal 1-0 in a foul-riddled first match of a Group C double-header at the 30 June Stadium and both countries are set to make the last 16.

Even if Kenya lose their final group match against Senegal, they will hope to squeeze into the knockout phase as one of the four best third-place teams. After two rounds, former champions Algeria have six points, Senegal and Kenya three each and Tanzania are pointless. Coaches Emmanuel Amunike of Tanzania and Sebastien Migne of Kenya reacted to two-goals losses in their opening group matches by making three changes each. France-born Migne spoke before the match of the need “to start well” but Tanzania were the more committed side in the early exchanges and led after only six minutes. Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi could only parry a stinging shot from Taifa Stars captain Samatta and Msuva tapped in the rebound.

The Harambee Stars were unlucky not to score midway through the half when headers by Francis Kahata and Olunga struck the woodwork within seconds of each other. Msuva nearly scored a second goal when his free-kick from well outside the box was heading for the corner of the net until Matasi tipped the ball over