Kenya’s U-20 football team, the Rising Stars, achieved a 2-1 victory against Tanzania in the Cecafa Under-20 Afcon regional qualifiers. The match featured notable goals from Kevin Wanganya and Andres Odhiambo, propelling Kenya to the top of Group “A”. Tanzania scored later in the match through Valentino Kusengama, but Kenya’s defense held, ensuring their win and setting the stage for their upcoming game against Rwanda.
On Sunday, the Kenyan U-20 national football team, known as the “Rising Stars,” commenced their campaign in the Cecafa Under-20 Afcon regional qualifiers with an impressive 2-1 victory over hosts Tanzania at the Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The win propelled Kenya to the top of Group “A”. The match saw Kenya initially take the lead in the 23rd minute, thanks to midfielder Kevin Wanganya, who executed a remarkable free-kick that sailed over a four-man Tanzanian wall, landing perfectly in the top left corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Anthony Mpemba unable to prevent the ball from entering the net. Following this, Tanzania nearly equalized just two minutes later, but a close-range effort from Sheikhan Khamis was adeptly blocked by Kenyan goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala. Kenya then squandered a golden opportunity to extend their lead before the half-time mark when Kelly Madada’s close-range shot went over the crossbar. Upon resuming the second half, the Rising Stars maintained a vigorous attacking approach, with several chances to increase their advantage. A notable moment came in the 65th minute, when Andres Odhiambo celebrated joyously after slotting home Kenya’s second goal, connecting with a cross from Hassan Beja, allowing him an unhindered shot into the goal, further solidifying Kenya’s position. Tanzania managed to reduce the gap in the 76th minute when Valentino Kusengama scored from a free-kick that caught Kenyan goalkeeper Wanzala off-guard. Despite a surge from Tanzania in search of an equalizer, which included a near-miss header from Kusengama late in the match, Kenya’s solid defense held firm, securing their first win in the tournament. The competition continues with Kenya set to face Rwanda on Thursday. The remaining teams in Group “A” include Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. The defending champions, Uganda, compete in Group “B”. To qualify for the 2025 Afcon U-20, teams must meet the final criteria set for the competition.
This article reports on a crucial match in the Cecafa Under-20 Afcon regional qualifiers, where Kenya faced Tanzania. The tournament serves as a preliminary round for the African U-20 championship, with various teams from different regions competing for qualification. The significance of the match lies not only in the immediate victory but also in setting the stage for Kenya’s aspirations of competing at a higher level on the continental stage in 2025.
In conclusion, Kenya’s U-20 team, the Rising Stars, showcased a promising performance against Tanzania, securing a 2-1 win that places them in a strong position as they advance in the Cecafa Under-20 Afcon qualifiers. Key players, such as Kevin Wanganya and Andres Odhiambo, made substantial contributions through their goals. As they prepare to face Rwanda next, the Rising Stars aim to maintain their momentum in the tournament.
Original Source: nation.africa
