Kenya’s U20 football team, the Rising Stars, opened their AFCON U20 CECAFA Qualifiers campaign with an exhilarating 2-1 victory over Tanzania. This thrilling match occurred on October 6, 2024, at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, marking an impressive start for Kenya in their quest to secure a spot in the 2025 U20 AFCON tournament.
First-Half Dominance
The game kicked off with Kenya immediately applying pressure on the hosts. The first breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Albania-based midfielder Kevin Wangaya curled a spectacular free kick into the top left corner of the net, leaving Tanzania’s goalkeeper Anthony Mpemba with no chance. This beautifully executed set-piece gave Kenya a deserved lead and set the tone for the match.
Despite Tanzania’s quick response, Kenya’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala made a crucial save against Sheikhan Khamis’ close-range shot. This save allowed the Rising Stars to maintain their 1-0 lead going into halftime(Nation)(Capital News).
Second-Half Showdown
Kenya continued to press forward in the second half, and in the 66th minute, Andres Odhiambo doubled Kenya’s advantage. A swift counterattack saw Odhiambo combine skillfully with Hassan Beja before sending a low shot past Mpemba to give Kenya a commanding 2-0 lead.
Tanzania responded in the 76th minute through Rahim Shomare’s free-kick, which took an awkward bounce, sneaking past Wanzala and reducing the deficit. The game’s final minutes saw Tanzania intensify its attacks, but Kenya’s defense held firm, securing a hard-fought victory (Eastleigh Voice).
Looking Ahead
With this win, Kenya sits atop Group A and will face Rwanda next. The Rising Stars’ coach, Salim Babu, will be looking to build on this momentum as his team aims for a top-two finish in the group to qualify for the U20 AFCON finals in 2025.
BangSports: Where Passion Meets Opportunity
For fans who love football action and want to elevate their experience, BangSports is the ultimate platform. With competitive odds, exciting betting markets, and a user-friendly interface, BangSports offers you a front-row seat to all the footballing action, including the Rising Stars’ journey to glory. Whether you’re backing Kenya’s youth teams or your favorite club, BangSports is your go-to betting partner. Sign up today and take your passion for football to the next level!
