Harambee Stars striker John Avire and his Starlets counterpart Janet Moraa Bundi were among the scores of Kenyans, working and living in Egypt, who turned up at the 30 June Stadium for the Rising Stars’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) opening match against Morocco. Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsStars got their AFCON campaign on the wrong footing following a 3-2 loss to the star-studded and pre-tournament favourites Morocco on Thursday night at the military-built 30,000-seater capacity venue. The team might have lost the match, but the performance and fighting spirit displayed, on the pitch, was impressive in the eyes of Kenyans if the feedback shared on social media is anything to go by. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8901280##Much as Avire is among those who hailed the performance and believes that the team can make it to the knockout stage, the striker feels there are areas the technical bench and the playing ought to address before the second qualifier game against Tunisia on Sunday 4 May.Avire, who covered 218 kilometres from Alexandria to Cairo to witness Salim Babu’s charges in action counselled the team to play to the whistle and avoid instances that will send the officials to the pitch side monitor. The burly striker was making reference to Morocco’s first and third goal which were awarded after lengthy reviews by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The Kenyan swimmers joining Rising Stars in making Kenya proud in EgyptInitially, South African referee Akhona Makalima disallowed Morocco’s first goal and instead awarded Kenya a foul only to change her mind after having a second look at the monitor. Makalima was also invited to review Morocco’s third goal after Kenyan players felt that skipper Amos Wanjala was fouled in the build up towards the goal. Video replays show that the Rising Stars back line switched off and waited for Makalima to blast the whistle, in their favour, rather than making a simple clearance. “I was impressed with how the boys expressed themselves. I watched the preceding match between Nigeria and Tunisia and realised they are beatable.They( Rising Stars),however, have to play to the whistle and understand that VAR will be in use in the entire tournament. They ought to adjust to this fact before the next game, ” said Avire, who features for second-tier side Port Suez. Silly mistakes, VAR controversy, or honorable loss? Fans have their say on Rising Stars’ AFCON U20 bowFurther, the former Sofapaka and Bandari man urged the team to make the chances created count against the equally wounded Tunisian side. He also implored on the technical bench to fix the comical defensive errors that were on full display against the Atlas Cubs. Kenya U20’s AFCON debut soiled by Morocco in five-goal thrillerStars failed to capitalise on the clear cut chances, especially in the first half of the game, and while at it, gifted Morocco easy scoring opportunities thanks to the nervy start. “The team has to take its chances and remain solid at the back. The good thing is they learnt their lessons and know what to expect in the next game,” he added.
