.jpg)
Lawrence Okoth/Harambee Stars
PLAYER RATINGS: Lawrence Okoth scores again but defensive errors wreck Kenya U20's knockout hopes
Reading Time: 1min | Sun. 04.05.25. | 21:04
Rising Stars once again took the lead but were unable to fend Tunisia off
Kenya men's U20 national team Rising Stars remained winless in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debut after giving up a lead to lose 3-1 to Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday 4 May.
Here at Mozzart Sport, we look at how Salim Babu's side, which carried three changes from the get-go, fared in the "must win" Group B contest.

Wycliford OduorGoalkeeper
Brought in for his AFCON debut after an injury to Jairo, but what looked like a promising evening for him - with outstanding saves - turned disastrous. The Bidco United keeper could only parry a cross to the path of Ben Ali to prod home the second, and was caught flat-footed as a harmless cross-ball from Derbali floated over him and into the net. He will take no blame for conceding the penalty.
Rating
4

Baron OchiengDefense
Not his day today. Was the man at fault for Tunisia's first goal when he raised an arm inside the box to give away a penalty, and at most times felt vulnerable at his usual right-back position.
Nacim Dandani found a way past him before setting up Tunisia's second. Rough night.
Rating
4

Manzur Okwaro SuleimanDefense
Was forced to play at left-back, and wasn't disappointing. He held his ground well, and even made inroads when in possession. His foul - and booking - right at the end that brought forth Tunisia's third goal was the only blot on his paper.
Rating
6

Joseph Bate OnyangoDefense
Made a strong case why he should retain his starting position at center back. He took his AFCON debut challenge strongly. Was commanding in the air and composed in possession.
The clip of him running away from Dandani as he crossed the ball for Ben Ali will hurt though.
Rating
5

Amos Emmanuel WanjalaDefense
More composed and commanding than against Morocco. Almost came close to scoring with a powerful header from a corner, but again found himself at fault in defense, when he threw himself infront of his keeper in an attempt to block an incoming cross, only to miss it.
The move ended up with Ben Ali converting from where the Kenyan skipper ought to have been in the first place.
Rating
5

Kevin Injehu WangayaMidfield
Compared to his man-of-the-match showing last time out, his display against Tunisia was a bit underwhelming. Not his flair, dribbles and threat from set-pieces looked to be going his way. He forced Thomas Zouaghi to a big save in the first half, but couldn't get things going as he usually does.
Rating
6

Andreas Odhiambo OmondiMidfield
So calm with that football. Did his job to effectively slow down the game, and was all over the pitch when called upon to defend. Was disappointing to see him unable to finish the game, and all eyes will be on whether he is fit and available for the final group game on Wednesday.
Rating
6

Aldrine Kipchirchir KibetAttack
Once again showed his brilliance on the ball, but as last Friday, coughed up possession so frequently. Always felt he could do better with the space ahead of him, but lacked that telling pass, or confidence to go for goal.
Rating
5

Hassan Beja KitsaoMidfield
Was a bit on the periphery in the first 20 minutes, but when his chance to take on a man on the wings came, he took it. The AFC Leopards man was relentless to go the wrong way past a shielding defender to place the ball just where Lawrence Okoth wanted it.
With his ability to offer width, he offered a few problems for the Tunisian defense, and was not afraid to have a crack at goal.
Rating
7

Javan Omondi OchiengAttack
His impact off the bench on Thursday earned him a start against Tunisia, but he failed to take his opportunity, rarely offering solid threat on the left wing. He failed to get past his men, and couldn't get himself in position when long balls came his way. Was hooked off at halftime.
Rating
5

Lawrence Ouma OkothAttack
Was on the scoresheet once again after timing his run to slot in a Hassan Beja cutback. Unlike Friday night, Okoth was a constant threat to the Tunisian backline, and offered the rest of the team a chance by holding up play, and taking down long punts from the defense. Also fought through a head injury.
Rating
8

Elly Awino OwandeAttack
Came on at halftime but couldn't make a desirable impact from the right wing.
Not sure he kicked on from where Javan Omondi left, as that position remains up for grabs.
Rating
5

Brian Emillio OkelloMidfield
Almost felt as if Andreas Odhiambo's shoes were way too big for him. For all of Odhiambo's composure, Emilio was the complete opposite - hurried in possession, ponderous, and overly-aggressive. Picked up a booking moments after coming on.
Rating
4

Humphery Omondi ArokoMidfield
Came on to inject some creativity after Kibet was subbed off, but was just a little too cold to get going.
Rating
4

Mark ShabanAttack
Was a late sub. No fair rating given.
Rating
-




.jpg)






.jpg)
