Rising Stars bow out of U20 AFCON with draw against Nigeria

Kenya's Rising Stars exited the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, (AFCON) tournament with a point after a spirited 2-2 draw against Nigeria in their last Group B match at the 30th June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday.

As usual, Kenya opened the scores after captain-for-the-day and midfield maestro Kevin Wangaya slotted in a penalty in the 6th minute, sending Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt the wrong way.

The penalty was awarded after Nigeria captain Daniel Bameyi was judged to have handled the ball in the box following an Aldrine Kibet shot.

Nigeria responded almost immediately through Nathaniel Arierhi, who tapped in a through pass to level the scores before halftime.

After the break, Kenya’s head coach Salim Babu introduced William Gitama and Andreas Odhiambo in place of Irad Mshindi and Ezekiah Omuri respectively.

The move paid off as Gitama, a Bandari FC winger and former Costa Daurada Cup top scorer, restored Kenya's lead after connecting Humphrey Obino's cross from a set piece in the 68th minute.

However, Nigeria equalised through Captain Bameyi, who converted a spot kick to ensure they shared the spoils.

“I think today we played well despite conceding a cheap penalty but overall, the boys showed great mentality to scoop a point,” said Anthony Akhulia, Kenya’s assistant coach.

In the other group B match, Morocco overcame Tunisia 3-1 to top the table with 7 points from three matches, as Nigeria finished second with 5 points.

Tunisia and Kenya came in third and fourth respectively, ending Kenya’s campaign in the group stage with only one point.