Cairo, Egypt — Despite losing their first two matches at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenya‘s national U20 team, known as the Rising Stars, have been urged to hold their heads high. Head coach Bob Oyugi challenged the team to take pride in their performances, even as their campaign faced significant hurdles.
Kenya kicked off their tournament with a narrow 3-2 defeat against Morocco. The match showcased the relentless nature of youth football as both teams battled fiercely. The Rising Stars started brightly when Kevin Injehu delivered a precise free kick for a Kenyan player to head in the opening goal. However, Morocco clawed back, equalizing with a VAR-confirmed goal from their top striker.
Shortly after the halftime break, Morocco took the lead with a sharp header, but Kenya’s resolve shone through. In the 71st minute, Ouma leveled the scores again for Kenya with a well-placed shot after excellent teamwork. Yet, Morocco managed to clinch the victory, scoring a third goal just seven minutes before the end.
In their second match against Tunisia, the Rising Stars took an early lead yet again, capitalizing on a smart assist. But Tunisia equalized before halftime with a penalty kick following a VAR review. In the second half, Tunisia took control and sealed their win late in the match.
Bob Oyugi, a former Gor Mahia coach and the secretary of the Kenya Football Coaches Association (KEFOCA), expressed confidence in the team’s performance despite the losses. “So far, so good. Our young men have given their best, they should not feel like failures but be proud of their efforts in Egypt,” Oyugi stated. He emphasized the importance of learning from this experience and encouraged the federation to maintain support for this talented group of players.
Oyugi noted that the Rising Stars displayed impressive skill against formidable opponents like Morocco and Tunisia. He acknowledged the improvement in African football tactics and encouraged further development and exposure for the Kenyan team through international matches.
“FKF should not neglect this team,” Oyugi insisted, “They need to be kept together and exposed to competitive matches with top teams across Africa.” He highlighted the quality of the team’s talent and the necessity for ongoing investment from the government and sponsors.
Despite the challenging start, Oyugi remains hopeful as Kenya prepares for their final group match against Nigeria. “They should just play and enjoy the game. Nigeria will feel the pressure to win,” he added. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and artistry of our future stars.”
Kenya currently sits at the bottom of their group without any points, while Morocco leads with four points, followed closely by Nigeria and Tunisia. The final match against Nigeria is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
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