Kenya book final slot in Copa Coca-Cola tourney

Kenya players celebrate David Leon's goal against Zambia during their semi-final match of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 Africa Cup of Nations at Nakuru High School grounds on December 14, 2018. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

What you need to know:

  • Kenya will now meet pre-tournament favourites Nigeria in the final at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday
  • The two teams cancelled each other out in a balanced first half with Kenya missing three clear chances; Issa Rashid and lead striker Jacob Onyango being the main culprits
  • A fuming Zulu blamed the match officials for the defeat, saying the match was poorly officiated

Kenya has booked a place in the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 Africa Cup of Nations final after seeing off stubborn Zambia 1-0 at Nakuru High School grounds on Friday.

They will now meet pre-tournament favourites Nigeria in the final at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The West Africans mauled hapless Botswana 5-0 in a lopsided semi-final tie.

Cognisant of the opponent’s pedigree, Kenya coach Peter Mayoyo employed a different formation that saw the home team abandon their traditional fast-paced game, and opting for a more cautious approach.

His opposite number, Kalapula Zulu packed the midfield hoping to contain the fluid Kenyans who have enjoyed building play in this tournament, with diminutive midfielders Lucas Maina and Wisdom Nayah pulling the strings.

The two teams cancelled each other out in a balanced first half with Kenya missing three clear chances; Issa Rashid and lead striker Jacob Onyango being the main culprits.

On resumption, the tactical Mayoyo introduced fleet-footed wingers Haron Kibiwot and Isaiah Abwal who troubled Zambia's rearguard led by Thomas Tembo and John Silundika.

Action between Zambia and Kenya in the semi-final of the Copa Coca-Cola under-16 Africa Cup of Nations at Nakuru High School grounds on December 14, 2018. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

A clever interchange involving Maina and Kibiwot left the Zambia back four exposed. Maina teed up Onyango for a shot at the edge of box but the latter's first-time drive was blocked by the Zambian defence, with an onrushing Kibiwot meeting the lose ball. He was appended as he pulled the trigger prompting the centre referee to call for a penalty.

Holding his nerve, defender David Leon sent Zambia's keeper David Minganja the wrong way to give the Kenya the lead in the 49th minute.

Zambia regrouped, threatening the Kenyan defence on several occasions, but the central pair of Captain Cedric Muchina and Christopher Raila stood tall.

A fuming Zulu blamed the match officials for the defeat, saying the match was poorly officiated.

“The penalty awarded to the Kenyans was unwarranted…we did not deserve to lose,” griped Zambia's coach.

En-route to the final, Kenyan walloped hapless Ethiopia 11-0, saw of Botswana 3-0 to top Pool A, before edging neighbours Uganda 1-0 in the quarters.