AFC Leopards winger Hassan Beja outlines His AFCON U20 Targets Following Sensational Goal Against Morocco

AFC Leopards winger Hassan Beja has outlined his targets for the remainder of the U20 AFCON after netting during their 3-2 defeat to Morocco last Thursday.

Beja, who joined AFC Leopards in 2023 from Nzoia Sugar, has been an integral part of the U20 Kenya set up, playing a key role during their qualifying campaign, as well as the tournament.

The match was a rollercoaster, with Morocco twice forced to claw their way back before sealing the win late in the second half.

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Kenya drew first blood in the 16th minute, when Lawrence Ouma powered in a towering header from a precise Kevin Wangaya free-kick.

 Morocco responded just before halftime as Yassir Zabiri capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to level the score at 1-1.

Zabiri struck again after the break, this time with a close-range header to put Morocco ahead. But the Rising Stars refused to back down — Hassan Beja fired home a stunning equalizer following a slick combination with Aldrine Kibet, making it 2-2.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Reda Laalaoui showed composure to slot past the Kenyan keeper after being set up by a clever Saad El Haddad pass.

Speaking to the media before the clash, Beja explained the training regimen during their stay in Morocco that helped him score his goal. 

“I am grateful to God. We trained well and had worked on our finishing. It was all about obeying the manager’s instructions and it allowed me to score,” Beja told the media before the race. 

“For the next game, if I get the opportunity I will do the same.”

Beja, who returned to action in February after a three-month injury layoff following a leg injury he sustained during the CECAFA qualifiers, has outlined the side’s targets for the tournament.

“We came here with one goal and one goal only - to make sure we qualify for the World Cup. If we are successful, we will be super grateful because as a player, I will have ticked off a huge milestone in my career.

“I pray to God. If we do our best and work hard, anything is possible.”

With the Rising Stars needing a win against Tunisia to revive their chances of reaching the quarterfinals, Beja’s determination—and ability to deliver when it matters—could be just what Kenya needs to stay in the tournament.