Egyptian-based Kenyans express disappointment with Rising Stars' loss to Tunisia
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 06.05.25. | 09:06
On a rather positive note, Kenyans were quick to notice and laud the team's style of play and fighting spirit
Kenyans working and living in Egypt struggled to hide their disappointment after watching the national U20 men's football team capitulate and ultimately fall 3-1 to Tunisia in their second U20 Africa Cup of Nations Group B match at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday evening.
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Having been impressed with the brave fight the youngsters put in the opening group stage match against Morocco, Kenyans turned up at the facility with nothing but expectations for a win.
However, Tunisia had other thoughts, as they rallied from a goal down and a rather sluggish start to bag all three points, leaving Kenya on the brink of kissing the tournament goodbye.
With two defeats in as many matches and six goals conceded, Kenya will have to whip Nigeria convincingly, in the final group stage match on Wednesday, and hope that results in the other pools will go their way so as to advance to the quarterfinals as one of the best third-placed teams.
Reacting to the loss, Cornelius Kaunda regretted that the Kenyan boys were not aggressive enough, as was the case in the opening match against Morocco.
"I am obviously disappointed with the results. I was not happy with the intensity of the game and how our team lacked aggressiveness. Had they fought like in the first match, they would have won the game. We also conceded easy goals," remarked Kaunda.
Despite the loss, Kaunda took consolation in his observation of the talent in the team and noted the importance of having the players adequately prepare for tournaments.
"The boys are definitely talented. We need to keep them in camp for a longer time so that they can work on their weak areas and improve their coordination," added Kaunda.
Much as Ivy Akinyi was left frustrated with the result, she lauded the players for qualifying for the tournament and their determination to make the country proud.
"It was a good game, but the result is what counts at the end of the day. I, however, commend the fighting spirit of the boys. I understand it is their first time at this stage. The future is bright for them," she said.
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Vivian Juma could not wrap her head around the manner in which the team struggled in the second half.
Tunisia got their second and third goal in the final stanza through Omar Ben Ali and Alaaeddine Derbali, with Fares Bousnina netting in the first half.
Lawrence Ouma scored Kenya's lone goal in the match, with Hassan Beja claiming the assist.
"The match was good for us, especially in the first half. We also defended well in the first half. I really cannot tell what happened in the second half at all. It felt like the boys lost interest," she observed.
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