Kenya Edge Ivory Coast To Move Closer To Final AFCON U23 Qualifying Round

Kenya’s Emerging Stars will travel to Abidjan with a narrow advantage after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 in the first leg of their second-round 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.

Second-half goals from Henry Omollo and Andreas Omondi secured victory for Anthony Kimani’s side, who now need at least a draw in the return match to reach the final qualifying round.

The hosts created the first meaningful opportunity in the ninth minute when Kevin Wangaya was denied by goalkeeper Christ Tape after combining with Humphrey Aroko and Aldrine Kibet.

Kenya continued to threaten through Lawrence Okoth and Kibet, but Ivory Coast gradually grew into the contest.

Caleb Kramer was called into action to stop a dangerous attempt from Jocelin Djiamgone, while Jackson Imbiakha intervened to prevent Mamadou Kone from creating further danger.

Neither side managed to score before half-time despite opportunities at both ends.

Ivory Coast came close to taking the lead shortly after the restart, with Emmanuel Junior Kakou sending a powerful effort narrowly over the crossbar in the 58th minute.

Kimani introduced Omollo and Glen Kariuki as Kenya searched for a breakthrough, and the decision paid off in the 65th minute.

Okoth delivered the ball into the danger area, allowing Omollo to find the net through a deflection off an Ivorian defender.

The visitors equalised seven minutes later through Oumar Konate, who converted Djiamgone’s delivery with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Kenya restored their advantage in the 83rd minute.

Ivory Coast captain Christ Tape was sent off late in the match as the visitors finished with 10 players.

The Emerging Stars had reached the second round after eliminating Tanzania 5-4 on aggregate.

They will now seek to complete the job in Abidjan.

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