Kenya's U23 men's team beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday evening. The match was the first leg of a second-round qualifier. Capital FM calls the side the Rising Stars, while the Eastleigh Voice calls them the Emerging Stars.
A cagey first half ended goalless. Substitute Henry Omollo put Kenya ahead in the 65th minute, Capital FM reported. According to the Eastleigh Voice, Lawrence Okoth helped set up the chance after a throw-in from Baron Ochieng. Omollo had come on as coach Antony Kimani searched for a breakthrough.
The lead lasted nine minutes. Ivorian substitute Oumar Konate then finished well to make it 1-1. Kenya made a double change, bringing on Irad Mshindi and Stephen Ochieng. They also needed a save from their goalkeeper to stay level.
Andreas Odhiambo settled it late. He picked up the ball on the left, beat several defenders and fired in the winner, the Eastleigh Voice reported. Capital FM puts the goal in the 84th minute, the Eastleigh Voice in the 83rd. Kenya then held on through five minutes of added time.
The closing stages turned heated. Omollo and the Ivorian captain were both booked after a confrontation. Baron Ochieng had earlier picked up a yellow card for a dangerous foul.
The second leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. The Eastleigh Voice noted that the tie remains finely balanced because Ivory Coast scored an away goal. If Kenya get through, they will face Gabon or Tunisia in the third round in March next year, Capital FM reported.