Kenya's Under-23 team, the Emerging Stars, will face Tanzania in the second leg of the 2027 AFCON U-23 qualifying tie at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The team enters the match with a 4-1 advantage after a dominant first-leg win at Nyayo National Stadium. Coach Anthony Kimani emphasized that the three-goal cushion must be defended with the same intensity as the opening match.
Coach Anthony Kimani urged his players to treat the match as a fresh challenge, cautioning against complacency. He stressed the importance of proactive play, taking chances, and maintaining mental strength. Kimani's message comes after Tanzania briefly reduced the deficit with a penalty in the first leg. The coach's strategy aims to ensure the team builds on their first-leg success.
Tanzania coach Ahmad Ally acknowledged defensive lapses that cost his side in the first leg. However, he noted that his players have used the intervening days to correct those errors and are motivated to overturn the result in Dar es Salaam. Ally's side will look to capitalize on their home advantage and push for a comeback.
Kenya prepared for the humid conditions in Dar es Salaam by training on artificial turf at the M-Pesa Foundation. The team arrived early to acclimatise, with hydration and isotonic drinks forming part of their regimen. This preparation aims to help the team adapt to the local conditions and perform optimally.
The Kenyan squad will miss Jack Onganya, who was ruled out with an ACL injury, and Jeremy Bissau, who remains unavailable. However, Colin Sochieng has been recalled for a domestic FKF playoff. Captain Kevin Wangaya, who starred in the first leg, called for continued concentration, noting that Tanzania's home advantage will present a different challenge.
A win or draw will see Kenya progress to the second qualifying round, where they will face Côte d'Ivoire. This would keep alive their hopes of reaching the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt, a key pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coach Kimani concluded that the team must finish the job in Dar es Salaam, turning their first-leg dominance into a decisive aggregate victory.
The match will be a test of Kenya's resolve and strategy as they seek to build on their first-leg success. With the right approach and mindset, the Emerging Stars can secure a hard-fought win and progress to the next round. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their fate in the 2027 AFCON U-23 qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Kenya's Under-23 team holds a 4-1 lead over Tanzania ahead of the second leg.
- Coach Anthony Kimani emphasizes the need for proactive play and mental strength.
- A win or draw will see Kenya face Côte d'Ivoire in the second qualifying round.
