The Kenyan U23 squad, known as the Emerging Stars, clinched a decisive 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday in a thrilling COSAFA Cup Group B finale.
The dynamic Gor Mahia pair, Austin Odhiambo and Benson Omalla, were the heroes of the second half, each netting a goal to propel Kenya to the group’s runner-up position, just behind Comoros.
The Comoros team edged out Zambia with a narrow 1-0 win in a simultaneous match, securing their spot as the group’s top team. Now, the Emerging Stars’ semi-final dreams hinge on their ranking as the best second-placed team across the groups.
Looking ahead, Kenya’s fate is intertwined with the outcomes of Group C’s matches. Angola and Namibia, both currently holding four points, are set to compete against Lesotho and Seychelles, respectively. With Lesotho and Seychelles each having only one point after two matches, the Emerging Stars are banking on either Angola or Namibia’s defeat to pave their way to the semi-finals.
The match against Zimbabwe was critical for the Stars, who needed a win to keep their semi-final aspirations alive, especially after their previous loss to Comoros.
The match began tentatively, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Kenya’s Rooney Onyango and Hassan Beja missed opportunities to score, with shots that failed to find the target.
However, the game’s momentum shifted dramatically after halftime. Kenya upped the tempo and broke through Zimbabwe’s defense six minutes into the second half. Odhiambo seized a cross from team captain Rooney and fired a powerful shot from the right flank into the net.
Omalla then doubled the lead in the 69th minute with a clever touch, lobbing the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Despite their previously unbreached defense, Zimbabwe fought valiantly to claw back into the game. Nevertheless, the Kenyan defense stood firm, repelling the attacks and securing a well-fought victory. Kenya now eagerly awaits the results of tomorrow’s matches, which will determine their path forward in the tournament.
