Kenya’s Rising Stars Triumph Over Tanzania in U-20 Afcon Qualifier

The Rising Stars of Kenya commenced their Cecafa Under-20 Afcon qualifier campaign with a 2-1 victory against the hosts, Tanzania. Key contributions from Kevin Wanganya and Andres Odhiambo led the way for Kenya, while Valentino Kusengama scored a late goal for Tanzania.

Kenya’s Under-20 football team, the “Rising Stars,” commenced their campaign in the Cecafa Under-20 Afcon regional qualifiers with a triumphant 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The match saw Kenya take an early lead with a spectacular free-kick from Kevin Wanganya in the 23rd minute, which curled beautifully over the Tanzanian wall and into the top left corner of the goal. Midfielder Andres Odhiambo later extended Kenya’s lead in the 65th minute, finishing a cross from Hassan Beja with ease. Although Tanzania managed to reduce the deficit late in the match with a goal from Valentino Kusengama, it was not enough to secure a draw. With this win, Kenya ascends to the top of Group “A,” which includes Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. The tournament will culminate in the top two finalists qualifying for the 2025 Afcon U-20 championships, with the host country to be determined at a future CAF General Assembly.

The Cecafa Under-20 Afcon regional qualifiers are crucial in determining which teams will advance to the continental championships. In this tournament, teams from various regions compete, and the top two from each group will qualify for the final tournament. Kenya’s strong start against regional rivals Tanzania illustrates the growing potential of their youth teams. The performance of key players such as Kevin Wanganya and Andres Odhiambo highlighted their abilities and the importance of effective coaching under Salim Bbau.

In conclusion, Kenya’s Under-20 squad has made a promising start to their campaign in the Cecafa Under-20 Afcon qualifiers by securing an early victory against Tanzania. The team’s ability to capitalize on set pieces and their cohesiveness on the field evidenced their preparedness for the challenges ahead. As they prepare to face Rwanda next, the Rising Stars aim to maintain their winning momentum in pursuit of qualification for the prestigious Afcon U-20 championships. This victory not only bolsters their confidence but also showcases the talent emerging from Kenya’s youth football programs.

Original Source: nation.africa