Emerging Stars see off Zimbabwe in COSAFA Cup

Benson Omalla celebrates after scoring for Kenya against Zimbabwe.[FKF]

Kenya’s Emerging Stars bounced back to winning ways on Tuesday after seeing off Zimbabwe 2-0 in their final group match of the 2024 COSAFA Cup at Isaac Wolfson Stadium.

Kenya had lost 2-0 to Comoros in their second match played over the weekend and needed a win to stand a chance of making it to the semifinals.

The first half ended goalless however the second half witnessed a shift in momentum as the East African stars improved their style of play.

In the 54^th minute, Ronney Onyango found Austine Odhiambowho put the ball at the back of the net giving Kenya the lead.

Benson Omalla added to the tally in the 73^rd minute pouncing on a long ball from goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.

The match ended in favor of Kenya.

With this win, Kenya finished Group B with 6 points, tied with Comoros. However, Comoros topped the group on goal difference, advancing to the semi-finals as Group B winners.

Emerging Stars now wait for the results of the other group matches to determine if they will join Comoros in the semi-finals as one of the best runners-up. 

Starting XI

23.Byrne Omondi, 15.Amos Wanjala, 2.Sylvester Owino, 5.Alphonce Omija, 3.Geoffrey Onyango, 20.Chrispine Erambo, 19.Kayci Odhiambo, 10.Austine Odhiambo, 16.Ronney Onyango, 7.Hassan Beja, 22.Benson Ochieng

Substitutes

1.Dolph Owino, 18.Ibrahim Wanzala, 6.Jeremy Bisau, 11.Aldrine Kibet, 12.William Gitamu, 21.Alfred Tanui, 14.Patrick Otieno, 8.Stanley Wilson, 9.Moses Shumah, 17.John Ochieng, 13.Elly Owande