Kenya’s Rising Stars hold Nigeria to pick only point in CAF U-20 AFCON

Kenya’s Rising Stars have held Nigeria to a 2-2 draw in their last Group C match at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Kevin Wangaya gave Kenya the lead from the penalty spot after only 4 minutes on Wednesday evening at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Nigeria’s Emmanuel Chukwu had handled the ball in the box.

It was the third time the Kenyan side had taken the lead at the tournament. But 9 minutes later Nigeria leveled matters through Kparobo Arierhi with a well taken lob.

After recess the Rising Stars returned charged and pushed forward in search of more goals. William Mwangi netted Kenya’s second goal after 64th minute tapping in from a free-kick cross. But Nigeria’s captain Daniel Bameyi equalized from the penalty spot after Kenyan forward Lawrence Okoth fouled in the box.

Nigeria who have lifted the U-20 AFCON title a record seven times pressed hard, but failed to find the winning goal. Nigeria qualified for the knock out stage after finishing second, while Morocco who beat Tunisia 3-1 finished top.

Kenya exit the tournament after earning only one point. They kick off with a 2-3 defeat to Morocco, and lost the second match 3-1.

Tanzania who have lost all their three Group A matches will play their last match against hosts Egypt on Friday.

Morocco topped the group with seven points following a 3–1 win over Tunisia. Nigeria secured second place with five points, while Tunisia ended third with three points.

The four semi-finalists will qualify as the CAF representatives for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup to take place in Chile.