Rising Stars fall short in AFCON U20 opener despite spirited fightback
Kenya’s Rising Stars made a spirited return to the AFCON U20 stage after 46 years but were edged 3-2 by Morocco in a thrilling Group B opener in Cairo.
Kenya’s national under-20 football team, the Rising Stars, marked their long-awaited return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 after 46 years with a spirited display, but narrowly lost 3-2 to Morocco in a pulsating Group B opener at the Cairo International Stadium.
The match began on a tense note for Kenya, with a defensive lapse by Andres Odhiambo Omondi just two minutes in nearly gifting Morocco an early lead. Goalkeeper Jairo Oyure fumbled, but Manzur Okwaro’s quick reaction spared the Rising Stars.
Morocco dominated the early exchanges. Saad El Haddad came close in the 5th minute, firing just wide. Kenya, struggling to settle, saw their first attempt in the 7th minute through Kevin Wangaya, whose shot from distance went off target. El Haddad remained a constant threat, missing another big chance soon after.
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Despite the pressure, Kenya gradually found their rhythm. In the 16th minute, after Collins Ochieng earned a free kick just outside Morocco’s box, Wangaya curled in a teasing delivery that Lawrence Ouma Okoth expertly headed home to give Kenya a 1-0 lead.
Wangaya remained dangerous from set pieces, narrowly missing in the 25th and 27th minutes. Morocco thought they had equalised in the 35th minute, but the goal was initially ruled out for a foul on Kenyan captain Amos Wanjala. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, and Yassir Zabiri’s goal stood to level the match at 1-1 by halftime.
Morocco came out stronger after the break. In the 55th minute, Zabiri struck again, capitalising on a defensive error to put Morocco ahead. Kenya responded almost immediately, with Kipchirchir Kibet leading a promising move in the 59th minute that was smothered by Morocco’s well-organised backline.
El Haddad nearly extended Morocco’s lead in the 62nd minute with a low drive that Oyure brilliantly tipped onto the post and away. Kenya then made a double substitution, bringing on Javan Ochieng and Humphrey Kegengo for Elly Owande and Collins Ongou.
The changes injected fresh energy into the side. In the 68th minute, Aldrine Kibet slipped a clever pass to Hassan Beja, who fired a low, thunderous shot past the Moroccan keeper to make it 2-2.
However, the momentum swung back in Morocco’s favour in the 77th minute. Substitute Othmane Maamma threaded a precise ball through midfield to Reda Laalaoui, who calmly slotted home what proved to be the winner.
Morocco had a chance to seal it late with a penalty, but Oyure kept Kenya’s hopes alive with a brilliant diving save. The Rising Stars pushed forward during the seven minutes of added time, showing grit and belief, but Morocco’s defence held firm.
It was a spirited fightback and a performance full of promise, but in the end, Kenya’s 46-year wait for an AFCON U20 return began in heartbreak.
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