The national U20 mens soccer team Rising Stars narrowly lost 3-2 to Morroco in their opening group B match at the ongoing U20Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Kenya, making their first appearance at the U20 AFCON since 1979, began the match brightly and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Lawrence Ouma rose highest to head home Kevin Injehu’s pinpoint free kick, sending the Kenyan bench into wild celebrations.
However, Morocco struck back just before the break. A scramble in the box saw Yassir Zabiri pounce with a well-placed finish that was eventually confirmed by VAR after initial doubts over a potential infringement. The equaliser sent the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
The second half brought even more drama. Just ten minutes after the restart, Zabiri doubled his tally with a sharp header from close range to give Morocco the lead.
But Kenya weren’t done yet. Their vibrant forward play paid off in the 71st minute when Hassan Beja rifled in a shot from the centre of the box following clever link-up play with Aldrine Kibet, levelling the scores at 2-2.
Morocco, unfazed, kept pressing and reclaimed the lead in the 78th minute. Reda Laalaoui latched onto a clever pass from Saad El Haddad and slotted past the keeper with composure to make it 3-2.
There was late drama when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute, but Othmane Maamma’s effort was saved by Kenyan keeper Baron Ochieng to keep hopes alive.
Kenya pushed for a third equaliser and came agonisingly close in stoppage time when Aldrine Kibet’s header struck the post. But Morocco held on for three crucial points to go top of the group after Matchday 1.
For Kenya, there were plenty of positives to take despite the defeat, particularly in attack where they showed fearlessness and creativity. Morocco, meanwhile, showed composure and experience in key moments and will be confident going into their next match.
Kenya faces Tunisia in its second group match on May 4th before playing Nigeria three days later.
By Bernard Okumu
