Tunisia triumph over Kenya while Nigeria and Morocco share the spoils

by Staff Reporter

Monday May 05, 2025. 11:06

Tunisia came from behind to beat Kenya 3-1 and bag their first win of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while Morocco and Nigeria played out a goalless draw in group B action on Sunday.

Reflective of their result, Morocco and Nigeria remain all square on both points and goal difference at the top of group B after their opening two games. Tunisia registered their first three points of their campaign and sit in third, while Kenya lost their second straight game of the tournament, keeping them at the bottom.

In the first of Sunday’s fixtures at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, Kenya opened the scoring in the 38th minute through Lawrence Ouma Okoth after a brilliant run along the baseline by Hassan Beja Kitsao.

Kenya’s lead did not last long as Farès Bousnina netted from the penalty spot 18 minutes into first half stoppage time to level the score going into the break.

Tunisia took the lead in the 70th minute courtesy of substitute Omar Ben Ali, who made no mistake from close range, before fellow substitute Alaeddine Derbali scored in the 85th minute with what looked like an intended cross to put the game beyond Kenya’s reach.

In the day’s second fixture, both Nigeria and Morocco had chances to break the deadlock but could not convert. Statistically, it was Nigeria who dominated with eight shots at goal and three on target to Morocco’s four shots, none of which were on target. Both sides were forced to work hard defensively, with each team picking up 17 fouls and two yellow cards in the encounter.

Kenya will have their last chance at a win in this year’s tournament when they tackle Nigeria in their final group game at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium on Wednesday.

Tunisia will hope for back-to-back victories and a spot in the quarterfinals when they face Morocco at the Suez Canal Stadium on Wednesday.