Kenya’s Emerging Stars produced a spirited performance at the Nyayo National Stadium, grinding out a vital 2-1 first-leg victory over West African heavyweights Ivory Coast in the second round of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The hosts got off to a flying start when substitute Henry Omollo found the back of the net to give Kenya a lead in the 66 minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, the Elephants of Ivory Coast responded five minutes later when Omary Kanoute delivered a composed equalizer to temporarily quiet the home fans.
With the game hanging in the balance, Andrew Odhiambo Omondi delivered the game’s defining moment.
Picking up the ball outside the box, Omondi slalomed past a sea of Ivorian defenders before tucking away a thrilling winning goal in the 83rd minute to hand Kenya a hard-fought advantage ahead of next week’s deciding leg.
All eyes now turn to Abidjan on December 17th, where Ivory Coast will host Kenya in a high-stakes second leg to settle the tie.
Senegal Held in Juba
Meanwhile in Juba, South Sudan put up a resolute defensive display to hold Senegal to a 0-0 draw.
The West African side was frustrated across 90 minutes by a disciplined Bright Stars side.
Senegal will now look to maximize home advantage when the two sides meet in Dakar next week for their return fixture.
The aggregate winner winning the aggregate secures a place in the third and final qualifying round of the U23 AFCON qualifiers.
The winners of the final qualifying stage earn a direct spot at the 2027 U23 AFCON tournament in Egypt.
The U23 AFCON final tournament serves as Africa’s official qualification pathway for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The top three teams at the final U23 AFCON tournament automatically qualify for the Olympic Games, while the 4th-placed nation typically earns an inter-confederation playoff spot.
Financial issues forces Uganda to withdraw from the qualifiers.
