Kenya’s Rising Stars suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in the final of the 2024 CECAFA U20 qualifiers played on Sunday evening at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The hosts dominated the majority of the first half but failed to score largely due to the diligence of the Rising Stars defenders.
Kenya also threatened the Tanzanian backline especially after the half hour mark, with the best opportunity falling to Hassan Beja whose shot was deflected out for a corner.
After the break, the Kenyan youngsters came out guns blazing and managed to take the lead in the 47th minute.
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The goal was scored by Beja, who directed Aldrine Kibet’s delicious pass into the corner of the net to send the Kenyan supporters, including Yanga SC star Duke Abuya, into wild celebrations.
However, Beja’s involvement in the game ended in the 52th minute after the talented AFC Leopards forward picked up an injury.
In a bid to find an equalizer, Tanzania’s manager Charles Boniface Mkwasa made two substitutions just before the hour break.
His decision paid off five minutes later when an unmarked Valentino Mashaka scored from close range to restore parity.
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Shortly after the goal, Rising Stars manager made two changes, bringing in Kelly Madada and Ezekiah Omuri in place of William Mwangi and Andreas Omondi.
Despite the changes, Tanzania continued to dominate the proceedings and made life risky for the Rising Stars.
The constant pressure made it possible for Sheikan Khamis to put the Ngorongoro Heroes ahead in the 82nd minute.
Khamis received the ball from outside the box, controlled it, before firing a ferocious shot past the diving Rising Stars shot stopper Ibrahim Wanzala.
The brilliant goal ensured Tanzania lifted the CECAFA U20 Qualifiers title.
Kenya U20 book historic ticket
Despite the defeat, the Rising Stars will return home with their heads held high since they have booked a ticket to represent the region alongside Tanzania in the upcoming U20 AFCON 2025 tournament.
Elsewhere, former champions Uganda secured a 3-1 victory over Burundi in the third-place play-off match that was played earlier in the day.
Burundi’s goal was scored by Ramazani Hazikimana while Abubakali Walusimbi and Jone Dembe were on target for Uganda, with the latter scoring a second half brace.
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