Kenya were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Morocco, with Hassan Beja and Aldrine Kibet shining despite defensive lapses.
Kenya’s Rising Stars were edged out 3-2 by Morocco in a spirited and closely-contested U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
The match served as a promising glimpse into the future of Kenyan football in a display that showed both the raw potential and areas that demand polish.
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Below is a breakdown of how each player performed on their historic night.
Benard Jairo – 6/10
The goalkeeper started off nervously, with his positioning and hands not quite in sync with the early Moroccan pressure. There were moments where he seemed rattled, especially when deep crosses were floated into the box.
Despite the shaky start, Jairo gradually grew into the game and redeemed himself with a spectacular penalty save that denied Othmane Maamma. It was a moment that injected confidence into his defense, albeit temporarily.
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Though conceding three goals, Jairo was hardly at fault for all of them. The goals were more reflective of collective defensive lapses, and he ended the game with a respectable showing between the sticks.
Baron Ochieng – 5/10
A tireless engine down the right flank, Ochieng combined physicality with intent going forward. His long throws caused problems for Morocco’s defense, and his energy was infectious.
Unfortunately, he was caught out of position during a critical moment in the first half. A shirt pull inside the box while out of his usual zone resulted in a penalty that shifted the game’s momentum.
While his overall contribution was commendable, the costly error will overshadow what was otherwise a performance filled with grit and versatility.
Manzur Okwaro – 6/10
The most composed of the Kenyan center-backs, Okwaro’s maturity was evident in how he read the game and reacted under pressure. He made a crucial early block to prevent a Moroccan goal.
He was also comfortable stepping into midfield with the ball, helping Kenya build from the back in moments when composure was needed. His strength in duels stood out.
Though the defensive line eventually broke down, Okwaro did his part and justified why he's on the radar for senior team duties.
Amos Wanjala – 6/10
As the team’s skipper, Wanjala started brightly, showing authority with a last-ditch block that denied Morocco early on. His leadership was visible in how he organized the backline.
However, he was at the heart of the defensive missteps that led to Morocco’s goals. He misjudged a clearance before the first goal, was involved in a collision for the second, and was out of the play for the third.
It was a disappointing end to a night that began with promise. Wanjala will hope to bounce back and deliver the consistency expected of a captain.
Collins Ongou – 5/10
Ongou was Kenya’s weak link on the left flank. The Moroccan wingers had a field day exploiting space behind him, and his positioning left much to be desired.
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There were several warning signs before the equalizer, including close calls and loud instructions from the technical bench. He was eventually beaten comprehensively by Maamma, who set up Morocco’s second goal.
Andreas Omondi – 6/10
The midfielder had a relatively quiet night, offering a steady if unspectacular presence in the engine room. His positioning was more defensive, which limited his forward contributions.
He did well to recycle possession and kept Kenya ticking in transitions, but lacked the incisiveness to split Morocco’s compact midfield.
Though not flashy, Omondi provided balance and calmness that helped the team stay organized during moments of pressure.
Alvin Wangaya – 7/10
Wangaya was a standout performer, dictating the tempo and offering a creative spark in midfield. His clever assist for Ouma’s goal was a moment of real quality, showcasing his vision.
Despite his smaller stature, he competed bravely and was constantly involved in breaking up Moroccan plays and launching counters.
The energy, intelligence, and relentless work rate he displayed will surely attract attention at both club and national level.
Aldrine Kibet – 7/10
An exciting presence in attack, Kibet was full of flair and looked threatening whenever he had space. His movement off the ball and quick feet opened up gaps in Morocco’s backline.
He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself, missing a couple of promising opportunities that might haunt him later.
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Nevertheless, his assist-like play leading to Beja’s goal and overall attacking display made him one of Kenya’s more dangerous outlets.
Elly Awino Owande – 7/10
Awino was electric in bursts, particularly in the first half where he showed confidence to drive at defenders. He had a tendency to overplay, at times slowing down promising attacks.
Still, his willingness to shoot and test the Moroccan defense gave Kenya an edge in their transitions. His early strike was ambitious but showed intent.
More maturity in decision-making will serve him well, but the raw talent and attacking spark were clearly on display.
Hassan Beja – 8/10
Kenya’s most decisive player on the night, Beja constantly looked to create from the right wing and found spaces that others missed. His positioning was superb.
He struck a well-placed equalizer that revived hope in the second half, capping a performance filled with direct runs and intelligent movement.
A tireless shift, Beja was a menace for Morocco’s left side and emerged as one of the Rising Stars’ brightest lights.
Lawrence Ouma – 6/10
Ouma gave Kenya an early lead with a well-timed header, smartly losing his marker with a dummy run. It was a goal worthy of the occasion.
After the break, he faded slightly as Morocco took control of possession, and Kenya’s attacking rhythm dwindled.
Despite the quiet second half, his goal was a historic moment and one he’ll remember for years to come.
Javan Omondi Ochieng – 4/10
Came off the bench and immediately injected urgency into Kenya’s right wing. His cross set up the chance that led to Beja’s equalizer, showing great awareness.
Oliver Machaka – 3/10
Had minimal time to impact the game and struggled to get involved meaningfully in the attacking third during his brief appearance.
William Mwangi – 3/10
Was brought in late in the game and had very limited involvement. Barely touched the ball in a meaningful area to earn a proper rating.
Kelly Madada – 2/10
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