Kenya’s Emerging Stars Sink Ivory Coast 2-1 in Late Nyayo Drama

Celta Vigo B attacking midfielder Aldrine Kibet dribbles past Guelanda Doue as Cote D’Ivoire captain Christ Tape backtracks during U23 Olympic Qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

Kenya’s Emerging Stars produced a spirited second-half performance to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in an entertaining first-leg encounter of the AFCON U23/Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The hosts showed character to overcome a physically strong Ivorian side, with all three goals coming in the second half after a goalless opening period.

Emerging Stars started brightly, using short, crisp passes to break through the visitors’ midfield while exploiting the flanks. Mwadime Kazungu controlled the tempo alongside Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya, while Humphrey Aroko and Aldrine Kibet provided attacking outlets.

Kenya created several promising opportunities, but Ivorian goalkeeper Yvann Konan stood firm. Kibet came close in the 40th minute after good work from Lawrence Okoth, only for Konan to block his effort.

Henry Odhiambo celebrates with Wangaya after opening the scoring for Kenya in the second half. Oumar Konate leveled for Ivory Coast. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

The visitors also threatened, with Emmanuel Kakou narrowly missing the target following a goalmouth scramble early in the second half.

However, Kenya broke the deadlock in the 64th minute through substitute Henry Odhiambo. The forward capitalised on Okoth’s pass before controlling the ball and calmly curling a low finish past Konan.

Ivory Coast responded in the 76th minute when substitute Oumar Konate unleashed a superb long-range volley to restore parity following a defensive lapse.

Substitute Andres Odhiambo Omondi became Kenya’s hero in the 83rd minute, embarking on an impressive solo run before beating several Ivorian defenders and finding the back of the net to send the Nyayo crowd into celebration.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser during five minutes of added time, but Kenya held on for a valuable victory. Ivory Coast captain and Toulouse defender, Christ Tape was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Irad Ambugo.

Andres Odhiambo Omondi celebrates his decisive goal that handed Emerging Stars a 2-1 victory. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

Head coach Anthony Kimani praised his players’ discipline and character.

“I’m proud of the boys. They never surrendered even when Ivory Coast put us under pressure. We knew this would be a difficult examination of our quality,” he told reporters.

His counterpart, Sebastian Bannier, rued missed opportunities, admitting that his team should have managed the game better after scoring.

Emerging Stars will now travel to Abidjan for the return leg on Tuesday, November 17, knowing that the job is only halfway done.

KennedyMutunga feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com