Kenya eye early advantage against Tanzania in Africa Youth qualifier

Kenya Under-20 will Sunday afternoon begin their quest towards securing a debut qualification to the Africa Youth Championships when they entertain neighbours Tanzania in a preliminary round qualifier.

This first leg tie will be staged at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County, starting 4pm.

Kenya coach John Kamau will be without his key players Micheal Olunga, David King’atua, Peter Odhiambo and Vincent Ombumbo who were found ineligible to play because of their ages.

But he was bullish about the fixture. “However we cannot afford any other result in this match other than a win. I am now concentrating implementing our tactics.”
The Thika United coach is looking to promising youngsters John Ndirangu, Timonah Wanyonyi, Amos Asembekha, Lewis Opiyo and Brian Yator to lead his side to victory.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania youth side Ngorongoro Stars on Saturday held a light training session at the Ruaraka grounds under the watchful eye of Englishman and ex-Sofapaka coach Stewart Hall.

“Our lads are excited to be here and are eager to make a name for themselves. But I have told them it wont be easy playing against Kenya.

“We have had three players remain at home because of immigration issues, but am glad to note that Kenya are facing the same problem. Kenyan players are genetically bigger than Tanzanians so I expect them to be more physical and try to take advantage with the aerial threat,” Hall said.

The winners of this tie will move a step closer to qualifying for the 2015 Africa U-20 Championships set to be staged in Senegal.