Tunisia reignited their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with a 3-1 comeback victory over Kenya in Group B on Sunday afternoon.
After suffering a disappointing opening defeat to Nigeria, Abdelhay Ben Soltane’s side responded with a determined performance at Suez Stadium, recovering from an early setback to secure all three points.
Kenya took the lead in the 38th minute through Lawrence Ouma Okoth, who capitalised on a lapse in concentration from Tunisia’s Wassim El Abrougui.
The right-back appeared to assume the ball had rolled out of play, allowing Okoth to pounce and finish clinically.
The North Africans found a crucial equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time.
Following a VAR review, Kenyan defender Baron Ochieng was penalised for a handball inside the box.
Fares Bousnina stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 45th minute plus 18, drawing Tunisia level before the break.
Tunisia emerged more assertively in the second half, and coach Ben Soltane’s tactical adjustments paid dividends.
Substitute Omar Ben Ali put his side ahead in the 70th minute, latching onto a loose ball to fire home Tunisia’s second of the match.
The result was sealed five minutes from time by another inspired substitution.
Alaeddine Derbali, introduced in the second half, made an immediate impact by lobbing Kenyan goalkeeper Wycliford Oduor with a superbly delivered cross from the right flank.
The audacious strike left the Kenyan defence stunned and effectively ended the contest.
With the victory, Tunisia breathed new life into their campaign and moved back into contention for a place in the tournament’s last four.
The top four teams at the U20 AFCON will earn qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Despite a shaky start to the group stage, Tunisia’s commanding second-half display reaffirmed their status as serious contenders.
The challenge now lies in maintaining consistency as they head into the final group fixture.
Kenya, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
The result leaves them with a mountain to climb as they prepare for their final match in Group B.
