Kenya U23 Take First-Leg Advantage After 2-1 Win over Ivory Coast At Nyayo

Andreas Omondi produced a moment of individual brilliance to hand Kenya’s Emerging Stars a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the first leg of their second-round 2027 AFCON U23 qualifiers.

The Enköpings SK midfielder scored seven minutes from time at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, restoring Kenya’s lead after the visitors had fought back to level the match.

Anthony Kimani’s team had taken control of the contest in the 65th minute when substitute Henry Omollo found the net.

The goal came after Lawrence Okoth delivered the ball into the area, with Omollo’s effort taking a deflection before beating goalkeeper Christ Tape.

Ivory Coast responded with increased pressure and were rewarded in the 72nd minute.

Jocelin Djiamgone supplied the delivery, allowing Oumar Konate to score with an overhead kick and bring the visitors back into the game.

With the match heading towards a draw, Omollo became involved again in the decisive move.

He released Kevin Wangaya, who then picked out Omondi.

The midfielder took on the Ivorian defence before calmly finishing to put Kenya back in front in the 83rd minute.

The visitors were unable to find another equaliser and their task became harder when captain Tape received a red card late in the encounter.

Kenya had earlier threatened through Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet and Lawrence Okoth but could not find a first-half goal.

Ivory Coast also had opportunities, with Caleb Kramer making an important intervention to deny Djiamgone before the break.

The result gives the Emerging Stars a valuable advantage ahead of the return fixture in Abidjan.

A draw in the second leg will be enough to send Kenya through to the final qualifying round.

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