Kenya Under-20’s hopes of securing an early qualification spot in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers were put on hold as they played out a goalless draw against Rwanda at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Rising Stars created several clear-cut chances but failed to convert, leaving them third in Group A with four points.
With the top two teams progressing to the knockout stages, Kenya must now regroup and sharpen their attacking edge.
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A Promising Start That Lacked a Finish
Kenya began the match on a positive note, launching several early attacks into Rwanda’s final third.
Coach Salim Babu fielded the same lineup that had previously secured a 2-0 win against Tanzania, hoping to build on that momentum.
Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, the Rising Stars found it difficult to breach a stubborn Rwandan defense.
AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada was particularly lively, causing problems on the wing but seeing his penalty appeal waved away in the 28th minute after being brought down inside the box.
Missed Chances in a Frustrating First Half
The first half saw Kenya continue to press, with Louise Ingavi coming closest when his powerful shot was parried by Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Francois Habineza, only for the defenders to clear the danger.
Despite these efforts, the teams entered the break with the score still locked at 0-0. Ibrahim Wanzala, guarding Kenya’s goal, was largely a spectator as Rwanda struggled to threaten.
The Rising Stars seemed poised to break the deadlock but lacked the clinical edge to capitalize on their dominance.
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Second-Half Struggles and Habineza’s Heroics
As the match resumed, Kenya’s aerial threat remained a constant concern for Rwanda. In the 56th minute, a well-taken free-kick found Ingavi, whose header seemed destined for the top corner.
However, Habineza produced a brilliant save to deny Kenya the lead. The Rising Stars continued to push forward, with Kelly Madada failing to convert a promising cutback from William Mwangi, his shot blocked by Rwanda’s resilient defense.
Late Drama but No Breakthrough
Kenya had several opportunities to snatch the win late in the game. Aldrine Kibet’s solo run in the 87th minute, where he weaved through Rwanda’s defense, had fans on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, his effort went agonizingly wide.
Kibet, along with other Kenyan attackers, missed a series of chances in the final minutes, as the Rwandan defense held firm to secure a valuable point.
The result leaves Kenya with much to ponder as they prepare for their next group fixture. Sitting third in Group A with four points, they still have a strong chance of progressing, but they must address their profligacy in front of goal.
Coach Salim Babu will likely make adjustments to sharpen their attack and ensure the Rising Stars are clinical when it matters most.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Missed Penalty Shout: Kelly Madada’s penalty appeal could have shifted the momentum, but the referee’s decision to play on kept the game level.
- Habineza’s Heroics: The Rwandan goalkeeper was in top form, making crucial saves, particularly against Ingavi’s header, which seemed a sure goal.
- Late Misses: Aldrine Kibet’s missed opportunities in the dying minutes highlighted Kenya’s struggles in front of goal, a concern they must address moving forward.
A Defensive Display from Rwanda
Credit must be given to Rwanda’s defensive setup, which remained compact and disciplined throughout the match.
They absorbed Kenya’s pressure and limited the Rising Stars to shots from difficult angles. Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Habineza, was a standout performer, denying Kenya’s best efforts and earning his side a hard-fought draw.
The Road Ahead for Kenya Under-20
Kenya’s qualification hopes remain alive, but the Rising Stars will need to convert their dominance into goals in the upcoming fixtures.
With the top two teams in Group A progressing to the knockout stages, Kenya must secure maximum points in their remaining matches to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
Salim Babu’s tactical decisions and adjustments will be crucial as they look to sharpen their attack and bounce back from this disappointing result.
