Kenya’s Emerging Stars have made a significant step in the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after thrashing Tanzania 4-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The hosts saw the back of the net in the second minute when Paul Osama capitalized on a defensive mistake before calmly finishing to give Kenya the perfect start. Kenya controlled possession and dictated the tempo denying Tanzania the chance to settle, with the home side extending their lead to 2-0 in the first-half stoppage time through Lawrence Okoth’s confident finish.

Kenya stamped their authority when they recorded a third through Kevin Wangaya, six minutes into the second half before the visitors pulled one back from the penalty spot three minutes later. Kelly Madada added the fourth goal in the 75th minute to seal the victory. The performance has given Emerging Stars a huge advantage ahead of the return leg on October 6, 2026, in Tanzania. 

Head coach Antony Kimani believes familiarity within his squad was vital to the impressive start, saying continuity was important ahead of the two-legged tie, with the technical team opting for players who had already shared the pitch in previous assignments.

“We had very little time to prepare for this crucial tie, so it was important that we get a group of players that have played together before,” he said. He also lauded the input of experienced coach Salim Babu whom he said his knowledge of the players gave the staff a crucial source of information during the short preparation period. 

With the second leg still to come, Kenya carry a three-goal advantage into the return fixture. The tournament also serves as Africa’s official qualifying pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.