Kenya’s Rising Stars began their CECAFA Under-20 Championships campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Tanzania at the KMC Arena in Dar Es Salaam on Sunday evening.
The Rising Stars took control early in the game, with goals from Kelvin Wangaya and Andreas Odhiambo in each half, establishing a 2-0 lead. Tanzania managed to pull one back late in the game through Rahim Shomare, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The opening goal came in the 23rd minute after Hassan Beja was fouled while making a run into the box. Wangaya, a former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder now playing in Albania, stepped up and delivered a spectacular freekick from 25 yards out, curling the ball over the wall and past the Tanzanian keeper.
Tanzania’s best chance in the first half came from Sheikhan Khamis, whose skillful dribbling saw him get into the box, but his low shot was expertly blocked by Kenyan keeper Ibrahim Wanzala.
In the second half, Kenya continued to press and found their second goal in the 66th minute. Andreas Odhiambo scored with a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box. The move started with Andreas winning the ball in his own box, passing it out to Beja on the left. Beja then cut inside and set up Odhiambo, who made no mistake with his finish.
Facing a two-goal deficit, Tanzania pushed for a comeback and managed to reduce the margin 14 minutes from time. Rahim Shomare’s well-taken freekick sailed over the wall, bouncing awkwardly past keeper Wanzala and into the net.
Despite Tanzania’s late push for an equalizer, Kenya’s defense held firm, securing a crucial opening day win and setting a positive tone for their CECAFA Under-20 Championships campaign.
