Rising Stars head coach Anthony Akhulia has revealed what cost Kenya the Four Nations tournament title.The Kenyan boys lost, 3-1 to Malawi in the final played on Sunday, despite heading to the clash as the clear favorites to lift the title.Kenya had beaten Zimbabwe 3-1 in the semis while Malawi had narrowly edged the same opponent 3-2.##NAJAVA_MECA_7978557##However, Rising Stars were overpowered by, Malawi who employed all manner of tactics to win the contest at the Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.Reflecting on the defeat to Malawi, Akhulia attributed it to defensive errors that allowed the opponent room to kiss the Kenyan net twice in the first half, and in the dying seconds of the game.Malawi punish Rising Stars to clinch Four Nations Tournament U20 titleHe admitted that, the defensive setup and general output of the, Kenyan players fell way below the levels and in the end, cost the team the title.“We didn’t defend well as a team and never played our game as we should. We usually build from the back and progress the ball forward but that wasn’t the case. We let in goals that on another day we would have done better in terms of defending and it was not our day,” disclosed the tactician who alongside the team jetted back on Tuesday morning.Akhualia also regretted that the team failed to utilize the clear-cut chances that presented their way.“We also did take around five clear chances which would have made the difference,” he rued.The Bidco United tactician, who stepped in and led the team in the absence of Salim Babu, acknowledged that Kenyans had invested hope in the team winning the cup and offered an apology.History favours Harambee Stars as they face Zimbabwe in the Four-Nation tournament final“We apologise to Kenyans because we let them down. These players are young and I can dare say, the future is bright and will get better results,” remarked the tactician.Meanwhile, Akhulia expressed gratitude to the government and stakeholders for the support they accorded the team.
