Odhiambo magic sinks Cote d’Ivoire as Emerging Stars seize Nyayo thriller

Emerging Stars’ forward Andreas Odhiambo during a training session/HANDOUTAndreas Odhiambo turned Nyayo Stadium into a theatre of football magic as Kenya’s Emerging Stars landed a dramatic 2-1 knockout blow against Cote d’Ivoire in their 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations second-round, first-leg qualifier on Wednesday.

Just when the Ivorians appeared to have weathered the Kenyan storm, Odhiambo produced a moment of breathtaking brilliance, dancing past defenders before burying the ball in the net in the 83rd minute to send the stadium into raptures.

The goal that lifted the roof off Nyayo and handed Anthony Kimani’s men a precious advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Abidjan, where the road to the continental finals will become even more treacherous.

The contest had been billed as a stern examination of Kenya’s credentials against an Ivorian outfit boasting an impressive collection of European-based talent. The visitors lived up to their billing, making the opening half a demanding exercise for the hosts.

Neither side found the goal in the first 45 minutes, with captain Kevin Wangaya helping keep Kenya’s midfield compact while goalkeeper Caleb Kramer remained alert.

Kimani was pleased with the character his players displayed against such formidable opposition. “I am proud of the boys because they never surrendered, even when Cote d’Ivoire put us under pressure. We knew this would be a difficult examination of our quality,” he said.

Substitute Henry Omollo finally shattered the deadlock in the 64th minute following a clinical finish. A clever delivery from Lawrence Okoth unlocked the Ivorian defence, allowing Omollo to put Kenya in front and ignite the home crowd.

But the visitors were not prepared to leave Nairobi empty-handed. Cote d’Ivoire turned up the pressure and drew level in the 76th minute with a thunderous volley that flew beyond Kramer’s reach.

The equaliser threatened to drain energy from the Kenyan ranks, but Kimani’s charges refused to let the occasion slip through their fingers.

Ivorian coach Sébastien Bannier felt his team had done enough to trouble Kenya but rued their failure to manage crucial moments. “We came here knowing Kenya were dangerous going forward. We had prepared for their pace, but we should have managed the moments after scoring better,” he said.

Kimani praised his bench for injecting fresh energy into the contest, particularly Omollo, whose intervention had briefly put Kenya in command.

“Henry came on and did exactly what we wanted from him. Lawrence also played an important role in that goal. These are the contributions we need from the entire squad,” he said.

Then came the decisive moment. With seven minutes remaining, Odhiambo seized the stage, embarking on a mesmerising solo run that left Ivorian defenders chasing shadows before slotting home for 2-1.

Nyayo erupted. Players raced towards the corner, supporters found their voices, and Kenya had snatched back the advantage in a contest that seemed destined for a stalemate. Bannier admitted his defence had been punished by a moment of individual brilliance.

“We cannot afford to switch off against a team with Kenya’s attacking ability. The second goal hurt us because we had worked hard to recover after conceding first,” he said.

The Frenchman, however, refused to throw in the towel, insisting they have what it takes to turn the result around in Abidjan. “We still have another 90 minutes in Abidjan. We have the quality to turn this around, but we must be more clinical and more careful defensively,” he said.

Kimani sounded a note of caution amid the celebrations, reminding his players that the job was only halfway done.

“We have won the first battle, not the war. Cote d’Ivoire will come at us strongly on their own turf, but we must carry this confidence into the return leg,” he said.

He challenged his charges to approach the return fixture with ambition rather than retreat into their defensive shell. “We want to go there and play football. We respect Cote d’Ivoire, but we also believe in our ability. If we remain brave and take our chances, we can finish this job,” he said.

Bannier urged his players to respond when the sides meet again at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Tuesday, November 17.

“We have 90 minutes to put things right. We must learn from the mistakes we made here and approach the return match with greater concentration,” he said.

The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualifying round against either Tunisia or Benin, with a place at the 2027 U-23 Afcon finals in Egypt awaiting the victor.

Emerging Stars host Côte d’Ivoire in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium on November 11 before travelling to Abidjan for the return match on November 17.

Aldrine Kibet says Kenya's Emerging Stars can beat Ivory Coast in their U23 AFCON qualifier at Nyayo Stadium with strong home support.