Kenya’s Under-20 football team – Rising Stars – on Sunday 24 March missed an opportunity to clinch the inaugural Four Nations Tournament U20 Trophy after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Malawi U20 in a decider played at Silver Stadium, Lilongwe.Anthony Akhulia’s side had put themselves in a position to grab their first piece of silverware this year after earning a comfortable 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe on Friday, but were left to rue missed opportunities as the effective hosts skipped away in celebration, having won both of their games to clinch gold.##NAJAVA_MECA_7978983##Silver medalists Kenya, on the other hand, take home some valuable lessons, and will probably be hopeful that even after a rather lackluster first half, they were able to pick themselves up, with some changes, to give it a go in the second period.Match ReportOpting to stick to the same team that enjoyed an opening day win over Zimbabwe, Rising Stars were evidently facing a better opponent on the ball, and it would take till a Baron Ochieng kick to the opponent inside the first 20 minutes for some first sightings of drama.A minute later, Timothy Ouma came close with a shot just outside the box that was blocked, with Malawi capitalizing off a quick counter-attack only to see a shot fall agonizingly wide.A game lacking so much of control soon was the detriment of a Kenyan side often ceding possession as this time, Malawi took advantage of a set-piece to force an opening goal after 36 minutes. A lofted ball into the Kenyan box was headed into the path of Emmanuel Savieli, who gladly took the opportunity to slam his right-footed shot past a well-beaten Issa Emuria.GOAL!The hosts find the back of the net.Malawi U20 1-0 #RisingStars— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 24, 2024 The goal was his third of the tournament and at that point, it felt deserved in how Malawi had approached the game with so much attacking vigor.One soon became two in the first minute of added time when from another display of poor defending, Chifuniro Kamenya was left open in front of goal to pick up a pass and plant his ball into the net for a second.More to follow..
