Tunisia kept their U20 Africa Cup of Nations hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Kenya in the second round of group stage action on Sunday, overturning a first-half deficit in convincing fashion.
The match began with early promise from the Kenyans, who took a deserved lead in the 38th minute through Lawrence Okoth.
The forward capitalised on a defensive lapse to put the East Africans ahead, as Tunisia struggled to find their rhythm in the opening half.
Just as the first half seemed to be slipping away from them, Tunisia found a lifeline.
A VAR review deep into stoppage time spotted a handball in the Kenyan area, resulting in a penalty.
Fares Bousnina stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, drawing the Carthage Eagles level at a critical moment just before the break.
The momentum shifted firmly in Tunisia’s favour after the restart.
Head coach Abdelhay Ben Soltane introduced fresh attacking options, and it was two of his substitutes who made the decisive impact.
In the 70th minute, Omar Ben Ali capitalised on a mix-up between the Kenyan goalkeeper and a defender, showing great awareness to slot home and put Tunisia in front for the first time.
Kenya, who had shown promise in the first half with composed possession, failed to recover and looked increasingly vulnerable.
Tunisia’s dominance was confirmed in the 86th minute when Alaeddine Derbali produced a moment of quality, finishing with a precise cross-shot to extend the lead to 3-1 and seal the win.
Kenya, despite a spirited first-half display, lacked cutting edge in the final third and were punished for defensive errors in key moments.
With two defeats in as many matches, their chances of progressing from the group are all but over ahead of a daunting final fixture against Nigeria.
Tunisia, meanwhile, have reasserted themselves in Group B with this much-needed win.
The North Africans now look ahead to a crucial clash against Morocco with qualification for the semi-finals—and a spot at the U20 World Cup—still very much in their sights.
