Kenya U-23 off to a bright start in 2027 Afcon campaign
Kenya’s Paul Odaro dribbles past Tanzania’s Anthony Richard during their 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 28, 2026.
What you need to know:
- The emphatic win gives the team a huge advantage heading to the return leg.
- If they get past Tanzania, Kenya will face Côte d’Ivoire in the second round.
Kenya’s Emerging Stars got their campaign for a place at the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to a bright start, beating Tanzania 4-1 in the first leg of their first-round tie at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Monday.
The emphatic win gives coach Kevin Kimani’s team a huge advantage heading to the return leg in Tanzania on October 6.
If they get past Tanzania, Kenya will face Côte d’Ivoire in the second round. The Ivorians got a bye to the second round as one of the highly ranked teams.
Kenya got off to a dream start, with Odari Osama putting the team ahead in the opening minute after being teed up by captain Kevin Wangaya.
Henry Omollo came close to extending Kenya’s lead in the 21st minute, only to see his effort hit the side netting.
Tanzania gradually grew into the game, with Kassim Kiswanya causing problems down the right flank.
In the 19th minute, Tanzania’s Kiswanya took advantage of a defensive lapse by Baron Ochieng and unleashed a powerful effort that struck the crossbar.
The visitors also threatened from a free-kick in the 30th minute after Sheikhan Ibrahim was brought down just outside the box.
Ibrahim took the resulting set piece, but goalkeeper Caleb Ramcy, who plays in the Netherlands, was equal to the task.
Kenya regained control of the game and doubled their advantage in the fifth minute of added time in the first-half.
Kenya's Lawrence Okoth celebrates his goal against Tanzania during their 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 28, 2026.
Wangaya switched play to the right flank, where Osama set up Okoth, who unleashed a powerful shot past Tanzania goalkeeper Omary Abdallah for a 2-0 lead at the break.
Kimani made a double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada and Hassan Beja for Andreas Odhiambo and Paul Osama respectively.
The changes paid off almost immediately, with Wangaya extending Kenya’s lead five minutes after the restart. The captain weaved his way past several Tanzanian defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner.
Tanzania pulled one goal back in the 54th minute through Ibrahim, who converted from the penalty spot after a handball by a Kenyan player inside the box.
However, Madada restored Kenya’s three-goal cushion in the 75th minute, finishing off a move to make it 4-1. He was booked for removing his shirt while celebrating.
The result puts Stars in a strong position ahead of the return leg, where they will seek to complete the job and secure a place in the second round.
Coach Kimani praised his players for playing according to plan.
“The fact that the players believe in themselves and in everything we have done on a short notice this week is important. We had a plan, and everybody believed it would work. All the credit goes to the players for executing it as best as they could,” said Kimani.
Wangaya, who was involved in the four goals, credited his teammates for their collective effort and determination.
“I am feeling so good. I would like to thank God and my team. I would also like to thank the coach. As he said, we had a plan, and it worked well. I am so happy to have scored and for the team to secure a victory at home. It is very special,” said Wangaya.
Kimani also highlighted the importance of continuity, crediting former Under-20 coach Salim Babu with playing a big role in it.
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