Kenya defeated Namibia 2-1 in the AFCON Qualifiers Group J match at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday.

John Avire and Duke Abuya scored stunning goals in the second half to secure the important win for the Harambee Stars, following Friday’s frustrating goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda, during their group opener.

Kenya is now joint top of the group with Cameroon on four points after two rounds of games. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who edged out Namibia 1-0, also picked up a point in a scoreless draw against Zimbabwe earlier in the day.

Namibia showed early intent, with Orlando Pirates’ dangerman Deon Hotto testing Byrne Omondi in goal with a stinging shot in the 10th minute, which was well dealt with by the Kenyan keeper. Four minutes later, Prince Menelik was brought down on the edge of the box, but the resulting free-kick was wasted.

Jonah Ayunga, making his first start in national colours, gave Stars their first real chance in the 28th minute, turning and shooting, but his effort was blocked, with penalty shouts for a handball waved away by the referee.

Peter Shalulile thought he had given Namibia the lead at the half-hour mark, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Richard Odada came close for Kenya, heading over the bar from an Eric “Marcelo” Ouma corner in the 43rd minute.

Namibia pressed harder in the second half, and substitute Paulus Ileni hit the post after dispossessing Kenyan skipper Joseph Okumu just a minute after the restart.

The game changed in the 58th minute when John Avire curled in a peach of a free-kick. Avire, soon to be a father, had missed a couple of earlier chances, leaving the technical bench led by Engin Firat visibly frustrated.

Namibia piled numbers forward in search of an equalizer, which left them exposed to quick counters. Yanga SC’s offensive midfielder Duke Abuya combined superbly with Marcelo to double Kenya’s lead in the 77th minute.

Namibia pulled one back deep into stoppage time after a poorly defended free-kick allowed Hotto to find the net, but it was too late for a comeback.

Kenya’s next match will see them take on Cameroon, as they aim to solidify their place at the top of Group J.