Hosts Tanzania came from a goal down to beat Kenya’s Rising Stars 2-1 in the AFCON U20 CECAFA region qualifiers final, staged at the KMC Stadium in Dar Es Salaam on Sunday afternoon, to lift the regional title.
Tanzania had beaten Uganda 2-1 in their semifinal to set up the final against Kenya, who had put four past Burundi in the other semifinal.
Both teams had already secured a place at next year’s AFCON U20 before the final.
The two teams had previously met in the opening game of the qualifiers, where Kenya won 2-1.
It was the only defeat Tanzania suffered in the tournament ahead of the final, while Kenya remained unbeaten, conceding just a goal.
A moment of sheer brilliance from Kenya keeper Ibrahim Wanzala prevented the Rising Stars from falling behind inside the first 20 seconds of the game.
The Kakamega Homeboyz man pulled off a fantastic save to deny Valentino Mashaka, who unleashed a powerful volley from the edge of the area.
After that early chance, the hosts continued to knock at Kenya’s goal in search of a breakthrough, while Salim Babu’s men sat deep to keep their opponents at bay.
Kenya slowly worked their way into the game and started to attack.
Kevin Wangaya had a chance from a free-kick in a similar position to the one he scored from against Tanzania in the opening game of the tournament, but this time, his effort narrowly went over the bar.
The game then moved to a balanced phase, with both teams creating a few chances.
However, the keepers were not troubled much as the defenders dealt with the opportunities from both sides. The first half ended goalless.
Two minutes into the second half, Babu’s men took the lead through AFC Leopards forward Hassan Beja, who fired home from the left side inside the penalty area.
He was substituted shortly after due to injury, with Phabian Sheldon taking his place.
After going behind, Tanzania pressed hard for an equalizer, but Kenya’s tactical discipline limited their chances, and they resorted to wayward shooting that didn’t trouble Wanzala much.
However, the pressure paid off in the 65th minute when Mashaka beat Wanzala from inside the penalty area after some lackluster defending from Kenya.
Harambee Stars duo pinpoint major problem in AFCON qualifier struggles
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Coach Babu responded to conceding by making two changes. Andreas Odhiambo, who had a quiet afternoon, was replaced by Kelly Madada, while William Gitamu made way for Ezekiah Omuri as Kenya sought to freshen up the squad in the hot Dar Es Salaam conditions.
Seven minutes from time, Sheikhan Khamis won it for the host nation with a stunning left-footed volley from outside the box.