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Kenya’s loss to Tunisia left them staring at an early elimination from the U20 Africa Cup of Nations and there were a number of lessons learnt from the match.
Kenya’s journey at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations is drawing to a close after their 3-1 loss to Tunisia on Sunday.
That was their second straight loss at the continental tournament, following their 3-2 defeat to Morocco last Thursday, and it leaves them staring at an early exit, even if they beat Nigeria in their final match on Wednesday.
Following their defeat to Tunisia, there are a number of lessons learnt from Salim Babu’s team.
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Kenya not in safe hands yet
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Rising Stars started their AFCON U20 campaign with Benard Jairo in goal and he did not have the best of performances, even though he saved a penalty, and on Sunday, it was the turn of Clifford Oduor but there were no improvements.
Oduor was at fault for Tunisia’s second and third goals when a lack of communication and concentration allowed the North Africans to score and ahead of the match against Nigeria, Babu has a decision to make.
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20:19 - 04.05.2025
Rising Stars Pay the Price for Their Mistakes as They Suffer Second Straight Defeat at AFCON U20
Kenya are all but out of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations following a second straight defeat, having fallen to Tunisia on Sunday.
Lack of experience proving costly
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While Kenya have quality players within their ranks, the fact that they are playing at the tournament for the first time is showing by every match, given how they are struggling to manage the games.
Against Morocco, they went ahead twice but allowed their opponents to come back and win and the same thing happened on Sunday.
They are also making basic errors, conceding easy penalties, which are getting heavily punished while some of their decision-making has been poor which is proving the difference between them and their opponents.
Case for the defence
Kenya’s defensive woes have also contributed heavily to their defeats with full-backs struggling to deal with one-on-one situations which sees them either lose their markers or concede fouls in dangerous areas.
Rising Stars have also not mustered the art of defending set-pieces despite having some FKF Premier League players in their ranks.
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21:59 - 04.05.2025
Rising Stars Player Ratings: Hassan Beja Impresses as Baron Ochieng Struggles in Tunisia Defeat at U20 AFCON
Kenya failed to hold on to their advantage to lose 3-1 against Tunisia, with Hassan Beja shining despite defensive lapses by the likes of Baron Ochieng.
Baron Ochieng has really struggled at right-back while Collins Ochieng also did not do well on the left before he was dropped for Manzur Okwaro against Tunisia while Amos Wanjala is also yet to show his best in central defence.
They have made costly errors that have seen the team lose games that they would have got something from to boost their chances of avoiding an early exit.
Lawrence Okoth going places
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However, while there have been some dark clouds, striker Lawrence Okoth has provided the silver lining with two goals from as many games.
Okoth's instinct and great positioning has seen him score good goals, his bullet header against Morocco showing his strength in the air, while his goal past Tunisia displayed his ability to smell chances in the box.
The MOFA forward is selling himself well and it will not be a surprise if he secures a move to a bigger club either in Kenya or abroad in the coming months.
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17:09 - 04.05.2025
Rising Stars Name Lineup for Tunisia Clash as Salim Babu Makes Two Changes
Rising Stars make two changes to their starting XI as they face Tunisia in a must-win CAF U-20 AFCON clash.
Kevin Wanganya has bright future
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Another player who is impressing is midfielder Kevin Wangaya, who has one assist at the tournament, although his work has been seen more in the middle of the pack.
The way he is commanding his area is great to watch and is also good when driving forward something that will give Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy another option in upcoming assignments given midfield is an area that needs improvements in the senior team.
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