By Tony Kipkorir
Kenya’s Rising Stars kicked off their U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying campaign in perfect style following a 2-1 win over hosts Tanzania on Sunday evening.
The Salim Babu-coached side started the match, which was held at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, on a high as they put their opponents under immense pressure from the first minute.
The hard work from the Kenyan youngsters paid off in the 23rd minute after Hassan Beja was brought down outside the danger area, forcing the referee to award a free kick.
Fast-rising star Kevin Wangaya made the free kick count as he fired the ball past the diving Tanzanian shot-stopper who could do little to alter the fate of the well hit strike.
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A few minutes later, AFC Leopards’ ace Kelly Madada had two golden opportunities to increase Rising Stars’ lead but failed to utilize both chances.
The hosts’ best chance of the game came in the 44th minute when Kenya’s custodian Ibrahim Wanzala made a schoolboy error in passing the ball to an opponent but luckily he didn’t pay for it.
After the halftime break, Tanzania’s head coach made three substitutions in a bid to get back into the match and the decision made his army to play with more direction as they caused the visitors some problems.
However, they found themselves 2-0 down in the 65th minute when Beja set up Andreas Odhiambo, who fired a shot into the net to send the Kenyan bench into wild celebrations.
Rising Stars
Eleven minutes later, Tanzania pulled one goal back through Rahim Mkinyange’s free kick that bounced in front of Wanzala before kissing the inside of the net.
After the goal, the hosts became a different animal, throwing everything at the Rising Stars but the likes of Amos Wanjala stood firm in the defense to ensure the game ended in Kenya’s favour.
The win helped Kenya to climb to the top of Group A with three points and move a step closer to booking the top two tickets to the upcoming U20 AFCON tournament.
Up next for the Rising Stars is a clash against Rwanda scheduled to be played at the KMC Stadium on Thursday October 10.
ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent
Tujiamini is an initiative that seeks to provide a platform, including up to 30M shillings in funding, for individual, team sports and various talent, in a year-long campaign that will go around the country in a move aimed at evoking the sense of pride in Kenya’s sports and talent ecosystem.
Applicants are urged to submit their applications through www.tujiamini.co.ke