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KAK
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Kenya’s U-20 team lost 3-2 to Morocco in a controversial, hard-fought AFCON opener marked by missed chances.
On Thursday night, Kenya’s Rising Stars fell to Morocco in a thrilling yet agonizing 3-2 loss during their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 in Cairo, Egypt.
The young boys showed flashes of promise, but they ultimately succumbed to a well-drilled Moroccan outfit, with controversial decisions and missed opportunities proving decisive.
Pulse Sports takes a look at five bitter moments that shaped the outcome of the match.
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5. A Nervy Start That Set the Tone
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The Rising Stars came out shaky from the first whistle, a moment that nearly cost them an early goal. Goalkeeper Bernard Jairo’s fumble inside two minutes gifted Morocco their first clear-cut chance, but defender Manzur Okwaro came to the rescue, blocking Othmane Maamma’s effort.
It was a let-off, but it set an uneasy tone for the rest of the match.
Such a nervy beginning disrupted Kenya’s rhythm and allowed Morocco to gain confidence early on.
Salim Babu’s side eventually settled and the early scare seemed to rattle the backline and lingered throughout the game.
Starting games with hesitation at this level often spells trouble. Although they recovered momentarily, the Kenyan youngsters were reminded that margins in international football are razor-thin, and mistakes — even early ones — can dictate the narrative of a match.
4. VAR Calls That Cut Deep
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Twice during the match, VAR decisions went against Kenya — both times proving pivotal. The first came just before halftime when Yasir Zabiri's goal, initially ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Amos Wanjala, was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. That goal allowed Morocco to level just before the break, shifting the momentum.
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Later, Maamma was again involved in a controversial moment, this time colliding with Wanjala in the build-up to Morocco’s third goal. As Kenyan defenders stopped in protest expecting a foul, Reda Laalaoui capitalized and scored. Despite protests, the referee upheld the goal after another VAR check.
While technology is meant to bring fairness, the decisions were a bitter pill for Kenya. Both incidents left players visibly frustrated and seemed to deflate the team emotionally, proving how emotionally charged and psychologically impactful such moments can be.
3. Wasted Chances at Crucial Moments
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Kenya created enough opportunities to win or at least draw the game but were let down by poor execution in the final third. Kevin Wangaya hit the side netting from a promising free-kick, and Lawrence Ouma missed a golden chance just before Morocco’s second goal. The most painful, however, came in the dying minutes.
Substitute Oliver Machaka was handed a lifeline to rescue a point after Kibet’s header rebounded off the post and landed at his feet. With only the keeper to beat, Machaka scuffed his shot weakly into Bechaouch’s arms. That chance symbolized the team’s failure to convert pressure into goals.
In tournaments like AFCON, seizing critical moments defines success. Kenya had moments to punish Morocco but lacked the killer instinct, something they'll need to correct immediately if they hope to progress from the group.
2. Defensive Inconsistencies Cost Dearly
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While the Rising Stars showed attacking flair, their defensive unit was exposed on multiple occasions. Jairo’s early error was a sign of things to come, but the goals conceded highlighted more than just individual mistakes they exposed structural lapses.
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The Moroccan wingers, especially Maamma, consistently found joy on the flanks. Kenya's fullbacks struggled to contain the pace and skill of their opponents, allowing dangerous deliveries that led to both Zabiri’s second and Laalaoui’s winner. Ball-watching and poor marking compounded the issues.
The lack of defensive stability made attacking efforts easily undone. Kenya must reinforce their defensive shape, especially against sides that thrive on wide play. Organization, communication, and better anticipation are critical if they are to keep future clean sheets.
1. Emotional Composure and Game Management
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Perhaps the biggest lesson of the night was emotional maturity. After equalizing twice, the Rising Stars failed to manage the game, losing focus just minutes after drawing level. Both times, Morocco struck back swiftly, exploiting lapses in concentration.
The team also lost their cool after contentious VAR decisions, with protests delaying reactions during open play — most notably during Laalaoui’s goal. Emotional reactions to refereeing calls distracted the players, affecting their composure and decision-making.
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22:45 - 01.05.2025
Rising Stars Stumble Late Against Morocco in Action-Packed AFCON U20 Debut
Kenya’s Rising Stars impressed in their AFCON U20 debut but were narrowly beaten by Morocco in a thrilling Group B clash.
In international tournaments, mental toughness is just as vital as technical skill. The ability to stay focused under pressure, maintain tactical discipline, and play to the whistle can be the difference between defeat and victory. Kenya's young stars now know that emotional intelligence is a weapon they must wield better.
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