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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.
Kenya’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations now hang by a thread after a 3-1 loss to Tunisia on Sunday, marking a second consecutive defeat for Salim Babu's side.
After a narrow 3-2 loss to Morocco just days earlier, Kenya entered this match with a must-win mentality. They were given an early boost when Lawrence Okoth opened the scoring. However, a series of defensive mistakes allowed Tunisia to recover, and they ultimately claimed the victory with a 3-1 scoreline.
With this defeat, Kenya’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds are slim. They now face an uphill task: beat Nigeria in their final group match and hope for favorable results from other groups to potentially progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
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While some players delivered solid performances, others struggled, especially in defensive areas. Here’s how the Kenyan players fared:
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20:19 - 04.05.2025
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Wycliford Oduor -5
Standing in for Bernard Jairo who was ruled out for the game with injury following his impressive display against Morocco, Oduor had a good start to the game, but started being shaky as the game progressed.
After conceding the penalty given away by Baron Ochieng following a VAR check, Tunisia got an opportunity from the spot which was scored by Fares Bousnina.
After the break, more mistakes ensued from Kenya when Oduor made a mess of a cross from Nacim Dendani, failing to deal with the ball while tangling with one of his defenders, and Ben Ali was just there to tap into the net with 20 minutes to go.
Tunisia then took their foot off the pedal but still got the third in some fortunate fashion. Following a quick break, Alaedine Derbali brought in a speculative ball, which was meant to be a cross, but the ball somehow found its way into the top corner with Oduor left dazed.
Baron Ochieng -3
Endured a torrid afternoon. Not only were some of his set piece deliveries dreadful, he also gave away the penalty for the first goal.
He was also easily beaten in the build up to the second goal after being involved in a mix up with Joseph Bate, with both Kenyan defenders left in sixes and sevens following a brilliant dribble by Nacim Dendani, who cut it back to Ben Ali, who was just there to tap into the net with 20 minutes to go.
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Joseph Bate-5
Had a solid first half, but a dreadful second half, and was part of the mix up for the second goal the side conceded on the night.
Amos Wanjala -5
Playing as the left sided center back, Amos Wanjala played in a manner uncharacteristic of his otherwise calm and composed. He obstructed his goalkeeper for the second goal, and his distribution was way out of touch.
Manzur Okwaro -5
Forced to play left back following injuries to Telena Ochieng and after Collins Ochieng struggled in the first game, Okwaro quietly went about his business, and looked good in bursts, both off the ball and on it. He carried the ball dynamically from the back in efforts to open up the pitch, and was possibly Kenya’s best defender.
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Andres Odhiambo - 6
Andres Odhiambo quietly went about his business, keeping things ticking as the game went on. He suffered a knock in the second half and needed to be subbed off.
Kevin Wangaya - 6
A fine, if unspectacular display from the midfielder earning comparisons to great Spanish midfielders like Cesc Fabregas and Rodri given his skill set. His deliveries from setpieces were also impressive.
Aldrine Kibet - 6
Aldrine Kibet was relatively quiet, but did turn a defensive set piece into a good opportunity for a counter attack with a brilliant ball carry from deep into the opposite end. He clearly looked exhausted at some point before being subbed off for Humphrey Aroko.
Hassan Beja -7
The AFC Leopards winger twisted and turned his markers before squaring a good ball to Ouma, who slotted home from inside the box, and they looked headed to halftime leading 1-0, and his direct running and willingness to cut inside on his stronger foot was a big plus.
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13:00 - 02.05.2025
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Lawrence Okoth - 7
Scored his second goal of the tournament, and on top of that, his back to goal play created space several times for willing runners like Aldrine Kibet and Hassan Beja to get into dangerous positions.
Javan Omondi - 5
The Ulinzi Stars winger was given the nod to start, but his impact was not felt before being subbed off at the break.
Substitutes
Elly Owande -5
Came in for Javan Omondi, but did not really have an impact in the game.
Humphrey Aroko -4
Came in for Aldrine Kibet, but like Owande, struggled to influence the outcome of the game.
Emilio Brian - 4
Came in for Andres Odhiambo and although his energy helped the side, he also received a yellow card for fouling a Tunsia player.
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