Kenya on the brink of AFCON U20 exit after falling to Tunisia
The Rising Stars started well, taking the lead in the 16th minute through striker Lawrence Ouma. However, familiar defensive mistakes cost them dearly in the crucial Group “B” encounter.
Kenya’s hopes of remaining in the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are hanging by a thread after a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, a result that severely dented their chances of progressing to the knockout stage and qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Rising Stars started well, taking the lead in the 16th minute through striker Lawrence Ouma. However, familiar defensive mistakes cost them dearly in the crucial Group “B” encounter.
More To Read
Just before halftime, Fares Bousnina calmly scored a penalty for Tunisia, following defender Baron Ochieng's handball penalty. In the second half, substitute Omar Ben Ali gave Tunisia the lead in the 70th minute, with Alaeddine Derbali adding a third goal in the 85th minute to secure the win.
Both sides entered the match under pressure, having lost their opening games. Kenya was narrowly beaten 3-2 by former champions and tournament favourites Morocco on Thursday, while Tunisia suffered a 1-0 defeat to seven-time winners Nigeria.
According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each of the three groups will progress to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, set to run from September 27 to October 19.
Kenya aimed to reach the global stage, but consecutive defeats have brought that ambition to a premature end.
Later this evening, Morocco and Nigeria will clash in the other Group “B” fixture at the same venue.
Top Stories Today
