Kenya dismantle Tanzania to seize control of U23 AFCON Qualifier

• Kenya dismantle Tanzania 4-1 to seize control of 2027 U23 AFCON Qualifier.
• The first leg match was staged at Nyayo Stadium on Monday September 28, 2026.
• Kenya will have to keep their focus next week on Tuesday when they face the Taifa Rising Stars in the second leg in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Kenya’s Under-23 football team took a huge step towards qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after dismantling neighbours Tanzania 4-1 on Monday afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium.

Anthony Kimani’s charges dominated the first leg of this first-round fixture as they look to advance to the second round, where they will face Ivory Coast.

However, despite the convincing victory courtesy of goals from Paul Osama, Lawrence Okoth, Kevin Wangaya and Kelly Madada, Kenya will have to keep their focus next week on Tuesday when they face the Taifa Rising Stars in the second leg in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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In front of vibrants fans, senior national team coach Benni McCarthy and Harambee Stars players in camp, it was a memorable afternoon for the U-23 side.

Just a minute into the game, the Emerging Stars had already taken the lead through Osama.

Wangaya delivered a good cross from the left wing, finding Henry Omollo, who whipped a low, crisp ball into the box. Osama was well-positioned to finish calmly and hand Kenya the early advantage.

A quarter of an hour into the match, Tanzania created an opportunity of their own on the left wing. A cross found its way into the box, but the resulting effort struck the woodwork before Kenya cleared the danger to maintain their lead.

The game remained evenly contested before Kenya doubled their advantage in the final minutes of the first half.

Wangaya, who had enjoyed an impressive opening 45 minutes, dribbled past his marker before unleashing a cross towards Osama.

His attempt was blocked, but Okoth was on hand inside the 18-yard area to fire home and beat Omary Gonoz.

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After playing a key role in the opening goal, Wangaya would also get his name on the scoresheet in the second half. In the 50th minute, he beat his marker, drove into the box and unleashed a low effort that gave Kenya a commanding three-goal cushion.

However, just two minutes later, the Taifa Rising Stars reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Wycliffe Omondi was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.

Sheikhan Khamis stepped up and calmly converted to pull one back for Tanzania.

Just as Tanzania appeared to have found the momentum to mount a comeback, they were caught napping when substitute Madada restored Kenya’s three-goal advantage.

After an attempted shot was blocked and cleared, the loose ball deflected towards the AFC Leopards man, who turned and drilled a low effort into the corner to make it 4-1.

Tanzania struggled to find a breakthrough from open play, with the Emerging Stars holding their composure to secure a valuable home victory. Kenya will now look to finish the job next week in Tanzania.

While Tanzania will be seeking a comeback in the return leg, the Emerging Stars will aim to protect their sizeable advantage, with Ivory Coast potentially awaiting them in the next round.

Kenya will then set their sights on the continental showpiece, which Egypt will host in 2027.

The eight-nation tournament will serve as the official qualifying pathway for African nations to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

• Emerging Stars: Krammer Caleb, Mshindi Ambugo, Henry Omollo, Baron Ochieng, Andreas Odhiambo, Paul Osama, Kevin Wangaya, Joseph Bate, Wycliffe Omondi, Telena Ochieng.
• Tanzania: Omary Gonoz, Paul Masinde, Twalib Mohamed, Zidane Ally, Ahmed Bakari, Abdukarim Kassim, Edward Kazimoto, Selemani Msimu, Ibrahim Khamis, Richard Mligo.