Kenya’s Rising Stars began their AFCON U20 CECAFA qualifier campaign with a commanding 2-1 victory over hosts Tanzania at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam.Kenya opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Albania-based midfielder Kevin Wangaya curled in a well-executed free kick.The second goal came in the 66th minute when Kariobangi Sharks’ standout, Andres Odhiambo, doubled the lead, securing three crucial points for Kenya.Tanzania’s Rahim Shomare pulled one back in the 76th minute, scoring from a direct free kick that took an unfortunate bounce off the ground and eluded goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala.##NAJAVA_MECA_8388782##Right from the start, Kenya pressed Tanzania, with the first major chance falling to Kelly Madada. He cut into the box and unleashed a powerful shot, but Tanzania’s defense held firm.As the game progressed, both sides adjusted to each other’s tactics, though Kenya maintained more possession. Despite their dominance, they struggled to break through Tanzania’s high defensive line.Former City Stars striker keen to guide Naivas to promotionKenya opted for a patient build-up from the back, accelerating play in the midfield and final third, though Tanzania’s defense resisted. Pressure from the Rising Stars paid off in the 22nd minute when Ally Salum fouled Hassan Beja, who had beaten his markers.Wangaya converted the subsequent free kick, sending the ball into the top left corner beyond the reach of Tanzania’s goalkeeper Remi Mpemba.Seven minutes later, Madada nearly extended Kenya’s lead, but his shot after a quick exchange in the box narrowly missed the target.Morrison reveals secret to Gor Mahia’s strong startTanzania had a chance to equalize when Salum attempted a long-range effort following a defensive mix-up, but Wanzala comfortably saved it.The first half ended with Kenya leading 1-0, leaving Tanzania needing to respond.They did so after the break, appearing to control possession as Kenya dropped back to defend their lead.However, Tanzania struggled to penetrate Kenya’s solid defense.In the 66th minute, Odhiambo’s counterattack created Kenya’s second goal.After picking up the ball in midfield, he drove forward, set up Beja, and received the ball back at the edge of the box before firing it into the bottom right corner, sending Kenya’s technical bench into celebrations.Manchester United among clubs scouting Kenyan star midfielderKenya made three substitutions, bringing on Tyron Kariuki, Dalphine Omuri, and Lawrence Okoth, adding fresh energy to their lineup.Tanzania finally got on the scoresheet in the 76th minute when Shomare’s free kick took an awkward deflection and bounced into the net, leaving Wanzala wrong-footed.Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Kenya held firm and secured their first three points of the competition.
