Kenyan football continues to face a difficult period, with setbacks for both their senior and youth teams. The latest blow came from their U23 team, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Botswana in Lobatse during the African Championship preliminary round.
Match Summary:
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The match was goalless at halftime, but Botswana took control in the second half with Onkabetse Makgantai and Omaatla Kebatho scoring in the 50th and 55th minutes respectively. Kebatho then completed his brace with a third goal just before the final whistle.
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This result highlights the Kenyan U23 team’s physical limitations, as they have often started matches competitively, but collapsed in the second half. This pattern was also seen in their earlier losses to Egypt and Morocco.
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The Kenyan team had logistical challenges, arriving in Botswana only on the morning of the match, after a four-hour flight, followed by a 70 km bus ride to the match venue.
Other U23 Results:
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Rwanda U23 defeated Somalia U23 2-0. Despite a solid start to the match, the Rwandans struggled in the second half. Emery Bayisenge’s header in the 17th minute gave them the lead, and Kevin Muhire sealed the win with a long-range shot in injury time.
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Liberia U23 lost to Ghana U23 2-0 in Tamale, Ghana. Goals from Dauda Muhammed and Kennedy Ashia secured the victory for the Black Meteors. Ghana will now travel to Liberia for the return leg, although Liberia is still unable to host international matches due to the Ebola crisis.
Upcoming Fixtures:
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Kenya U23 will face Botswana U23 in the return leg in Nairobi on May 9. The winner will then face Egypt.
These results highlight the tough competition in African youth football, and the challenges teams like Kenya face in international play.
