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Engin Firat: Emerging Stars had potential to sail in COSAFA Cup final
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 07.07.24. | 17:14
The Emerging Stars bade the tournament, in which they graced as invitees, farewell earlier in the week after failing to navigate past the group stages.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat believes that the Kenya U23 team could have progressed further in the COSAFA Cup hosted in South Africa.
The Emerging Stars bade the tournament, in which they graced as invitees, farewell earlier in the week after failing to navigate past the group stages.
The Kenyan boys put in a decent show in the group stages, edging outgoing champions Zambia 2-0 before registering a similar win against Zimbabwe.
Their major undoing was a shock 2-0 loss to Comoros, who on paper stood no chance but defied the odds to top Group B after winning all matches and marching all the way to the semis.
Firat, who accompanied the team to South Africa, said Emerging Stars had the ingredients to sail all the way to the final but were unfortunate to crash out on the slightest of margins.
"I believe they could have advanced further in the competition. They could have made it to the final but were unlucky," remarked Firat.
Before the team left Nairobi, Kennedy Odhiambo, who was tasked with the head coach role, insisted the sole aim of participating was to sieve the best and elevate them to the senior team.
Although some of the players in the U23 team are regulars in the senior side, Odhiambo said there were deficits and gaps and that need to scouting and assessment of more players with a view of promoting them.
Rooney Onyango, Bryne Omondi, Austin Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Chrispine Erambo and Benson Omala are some of the youngsters who are regulars in the senior team.
Firat, conceded that some of the U23 players made a good case for themselves but he remained tight-lipped on their identities.
"I was pleased with most of the boys but this doesn't mean I was happy with everything that happened in South Africa. In football, there is always room for improvement," he added.
It remains to be seen whether Firat will promote more youngsters to the senior team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.









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