Kevin Wangaya © Harambee Stars
PLAYER RATINGS: Kevin Wangaya dazzles in Kenya U20's valiant defeat to Morocco
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Reading Time: 1min | Thu. 01.05.25. | 23:55
After taking an early lead, Kenya were forced to search for an equalizer, but failed to hold onto a point late on
Kenya men's U20 national team - Rising Stars - began their U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bow with a hard-fought 3-2 defeat against Morocco at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, 1 May.
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Salim Babu's side, for all their supposed naivety, took an early lead through Lawrence Ouma, and when pegged back to trail, found an equaliser via the boot of Hassan Beja in the second half.
Their fight was, however, not to be as they conceded again to drop all points.
Here at Mozzart Sport, we take a look at how the Rising Stars performed on their historic night.
Benard Jairo OyureGoalkeeper
A bag of nerves early on, but found a way to get his arms to a couple of shots. He was found vulnerable when Morocco whipped in deep crosses, but made his big statement with a penalty save from dangerman Othmane Maamma.
Rating
6
Baron OchiengDefense
There was never any doubt on what to expect. Energy, strength, mammoth throws, and as seen on the night, versatility. The right-back was constantly involved in attack and defense, with the only blot on his paper being a shirt pull inside the box that resulted in a penalty. He was out of his natural position when it happened however.
Rating
6
Manzur Okwaro SuleimanDefense
Was the better of Kenya's center backs and his display showed why he earned a senior team call up a few months ago. The youngster blocked a goalward shot early on, and was present when Kenya pushed forward in midfield.
Rating
6
Amos Emmanuel WanjalaDefense
Not one of the good outings for the skipper. A bright start - when he notably came up with a last man block - faded quickly as he whipped a foot but missed the ball in the buildup to Morocco's first goal, collided with his teammate in the second goal, and was lying on the floor when the third went in. Totally unlike him.
Rating
4
Collins Ochieng OngouDefense
Was the day's villain after granting access to Morocco's pacy wingers down his wing. After a couple of near misses - including a moment when choice words from the bench were directed his way - the defining moment came in the second half when Maamma spun him around before crossing for Zabiri to equalise.
He was hooked thereafter.
Rating
4
Andreas Odhiambo OmondiMidfield
Average shift from the midfielder. It was easy to fail to recognize his presence, but was always the man to string around passes in buildup. His positioning kept him further away from goal, but still a decent spell while deep.
Rating
5
Kevin Injehu WangayaMidfield
The undisputed man of the match. The short figure in midfield causing all manner of havoc. His assist to Lawrence Ouma was a delight, and so was his dynamism as he, in one second, moved from defense to attack. Might be a small man, but with a high footballing IQ and a tireless endeavour, will no longer be clubless!
Rating
8
Aldrine Kipchirchir KibetAttack
On a better day, he scores a couple. If ever there was any question on his skill, he put that to bed today. Simply exciting to watch on the ball, and showcased some speed when caught in space. Need we say he laid a platform for Beja to drive home an equalizer?
Rating
7
Elly Awino OwandeAttack
So promising going forward, but had the tendency to slow down play, and sometimes overrunning it. An early go at goal looked too ambitious when he shot wide in a tight space. Will need more 'calmas."
Rating
6
Hassan Beja KitsaoMidfield
Big outlet on the right in the first half, and when everything looked quiet, was found in the right space to sneak in a low shot past Yanis Benchaouch, and put Kenya back into the mix
Rating
7
Lawrence Ouma OkothAttack
That header will be replayed for a long time. What many will somehow admire is the dummy run behind, then front, to head in Wangaya's free kick. He was a little quiet in the second half, however.
Rating
7
Javan Omondi OchiengAttack
Came off the bench but came in with some impact on the right wing. It was his cross that led to Beja's goal.
Rating
6
Oliver MachakaAttack
Came off the bench. No fair rating.
Rating
-
William Gitamu MwangiMidfield
Was introduced late on. No fair rating.
Rating
-
Kelly Okonji MadadaMidfield
Came on late. No fair rating.
Rating
-
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