Kenya’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a severe blow following a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia at the 30th June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news The result left the Rising Stars rooted to the bottom of Group B with zero points from two matches, while Tunisia climbed to third ahead of a crucial clash against Morocco. Kenya, on the other hand, will face Nigeria in their final pool match.Coming into the match, both teams were desperate for a result after opening-round losses—Kenya to Morocco and Tunisia to Nigeria. That sense of urgency was evident in the match’s tactical setup, particularly from Kenya, who showed early signs of improvement.Gor Mahia put FKF on the spot over violent scenes at Gusii StadiumKenya started the game brightly, taking control of possession and limiting Tunisia’s ability to progress into dangerous zones. The tactical discipline paid off in the first half when Lawrence Ouma opened the scoring, capitalising on a well-placed assist from AFC Leopards winger Hassan Beja.The goal was a reflection of Kenya’s compact structure and fluid link-up play in transition.However, Tunisia found a lifeline deep into added time in the first half. A long ball from Rayan Boukadida found right-back Wassim El Abrougui, who had been left unmarked due to a temporary reshuffle in Kenya’s shape. His cross struck the bar, and Nacim Dendani reacted quickest to the rebound.##NAJAVA_MECA_8909058##The ball struck Baron Ochieng’s outstretched arm inside the box, leading to a penalty after a VAR review. Fares Bousnina stepped up to convert and level the match.The timing of the goal, just before halftime, proved crucial, not only swinging momentum Tunisia’s way but also exposing a critical lapse in concentration and structural organisation within Kenya’s defensive shape.Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu had made calculated changes to shore up his side’s defense, reacting to the vulnerabilities seen in their opener against Morocco.Kenya U20 coach gives reason behind AFCON loss to TunisiaMaintaining his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Babu made three changes— Wyclifford Oduor replaced Bernard Jairo, Javan Omondi replaced Elli Owande on the right wing, while Joseph Bate came in for Collins Ochieng in central defense. Manzur Okwaro shifted to left-back, partnering Amos Wanjala and Bate at the heart of defence.These adjustments aimed to provide more defensive width and contain Tunisia’s wingers, who were expected to pose a threat similar to Morocco’s Othmane Maamma, who had wreaked havoc in the opening match.Tactically, Babu employed a layered defensive approach in wide areas. Central midfielders were instructed to double up on the flanks to prevent Tunisia’s wide men—Khalil Ayari and Mohamed Anane—from gaining space or isolating the fullbacks.##NAJAVA_MECA_8907953##In the first half, this strategy was largely successful. Kenya’s wingers, Beja and Omondi, diligently tracked back to contain the Tunisian fullbacks, while attacking midfielder Aldrine Kibet also offered valuable defensive support.This collective effort stifled Tunisia’s creativity and reduced their effectiveness in wide areas.The equalising goal, however, highlighted how a temporary numerical disadvantage can undo even the best-laid plans. With Ouma off the pitch receiving treatment, Beja moved inside to assist in pressing centrally.STARS ABROAD: Kenyan forward leads Welsh side to historic trebleThis opened up space for Abrougui to exploit—space he had been closely monitored in for most of the half. Boukadida, with no immediate pressure on the ball, picked out a pinpoint diagonal pass that bypassed six Kenyan players.The chain of events that followed not only led to the penalty but also underscored the fine margins that define tournament football.At the break, Babu introduced Elly Owande for Javan Omondi—a like-for-like substitution aimed at injecting energy and perhaps more attacking thrust down the right flank. However, it was Tunisia’s changes that ultimately proved decisive.##NAJAVA_MECA_8900959##In the 62nd minute, Tunisia head coach Anis Ben Soltane made a triple substitution that would turn the tide. He brought on Alaedine Derbali, Anes Kordi, and Omar Ben Ali for Abrougui, Anane, Ryan Jebri, and Wajdi Issaoui. The tactical shift saw Tunisia move from a 4-3-3 to a more aggressive 4-4-2, with Ben Ali joining Bousnina in a two-man strike force. Ayari and Dendani took up wide roles, while Kordi and Meherzi provided a compact central midfield base.The reconfiguration was designed to overload Kenya’s wide areas and stretch their defensive line.Shabana gate collections from Gor Mahia match trumps prize for winning FKFPL titleJust eight minutes after the changes, the tactical gamble paid off. Dendani, now operating from the wing, beat his marker and delivered a dangerous low cross that Kenya’s goalkeeper Wyclifford Oduor spilt under pressure.Ben Ali pounced on the rebound to give Tunisia the lead, further exposing Kenya’s susceptibility to wide attacks.Babu reacted in the 81st minute by replacing Baron Ochieng with Mark Shaban in a move that altered the shape to a 3-5-2, pairing Ouma and Shaban up front.##NAJAVA_MECA_8900941##While this bolstered Kenya’s attacking presence, it simultaneously left the flanks vulnerable—a risk Tunisia quickly exploited. In a moment of swift transition, Derbali took advantage of the exposed left side, sprinting into space after a quick restart and sealing the match with Tunisia’s third goal.This encounter between Kenya and Tunisia was a tale of tactical evolution and key turning points. Kenya began with a well-structured plan, successfully neutralising Tunisia’s primary threats for long spells.Salim Babu’s adjustments in shape and personnel showed a clear intention to rectify earlier defensive issues, and for the better part of the first half, they did just that.FKF condemns violence witnessed in Shabana – Gor Mahia game, confirms 72 injuredHowever, a lapse in concentration during first-half stoppage time and Tunisia’s clever in-game tactical switches ultimately proved the difference. Ben Soltane’s move to a 4-4-2 formation, coupled with direct wing play and efficient exploitation of space, decisively tilted the balance.Kenya’s late attacking shift, though ambitious, exposed their flanks and played into Tunisia’s hands.Both teams demonstrated tactical intent and adaptability, but it was Tunisia’s sharp in-game adjustments and superior execution in wide areas that earned them their first win of the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_8900946##For Kenya, the performance showed glimpses of potential, but the recurring defensive lapses and inability to sustain tactical discipline across 90 minutes remain a concern heading into the clash against Nigeria.
