Kenya’s Emerging Stars have booked their place in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U23 qualifiers despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Tanzania U23 in the return leg on Tuesday evening at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The result saw Kenya progress 5-4 on aggregate, having won the first leg 4-1 at Nyayo National Stadium on September 28.
Tanzania started strongly and mounted a determined comeback after finding themselves three goals down on aggregate.
Their pressure eventually produced three goals, leaving Kenya facing a nervy final stretch.
Despite the defeat, Anthony Kimani’s side held on to their overall advantage to secure qualification to the next round.
The Emerging Stars will now face Côte d’Ivoire in the second round, with the ties scheduled for November 9–17, 2026.
Kenya had entered the return leg with a commanding advantage after goals from Paul Osama, Lawrence Okoth, Kevin Wangaya and Kelly Madada gave them a 4-1 victory in Nairobi.
The qualification keeps Kenya’s hopes of reaching the 2027 U23 AFCON finals alive as they continue their push for a historic continental appearance.
