Kenya’s U23 men’s side, the Emerging Stars, took a significant step forward in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after edging out Ivory Coast 2-1 in a home victory on Wednesday afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium.

While the visitors managed to grab an away goal through substitute Oumar Konate, who cancelled out Henry Omollo’s second-half opener, it was Andreas Odhiambo who stole the show with a moment of individual brilliance, firing home the winner to give Antony Kimani’s charges the upper hand heading into next week’s second leg.

The first half saw Kenya U23 dominate proceedings, but they struggled to breach the Ivorian defence despite creating several promising opportunities.

Among the chances they squandered was a crucial eighth-minute effort, when Aldrine Kibet delivered a decent cross from the right wing, only for Kevin Wangaya, who had made a good run into the box, to see his effort blocked.

In the 44^th minute, Baron Ochieng swung a superb volley into the box, but Kibet narrowly missed his header as both sides headed into the break deadlocked.

Kenya U23 edge Ivory Coast 2-1

The second half was a different story, as after an hour of stalemate, Kenya finally broke the deadlock four minutes past the hour mark.

Super-sub Omollo came off the bench to hand the Emerging Stars the lead after a fine move down the right wing involving Baron Ochieng throw in.

Lawrence Okoth managed to cut the ball back just outside the box, where Omollo turned past his two markers before unleashing a low, crisp effort that beat Yvann Birama.

However, the vibrant home fans were silenced ten minutes later when Ivory Coast drew level. Bi Djiamgone whipped in a well-struck cross from the right wing that travelled across the box to the far side, where substitute Konate rose highest to slot home with his left foot past Caleb Kramer and restore parity.

But Kenya reclaimed the advantage in the 83rd minute through a moment of sheer brilliance from Odhiambo. Picking up the ball on the left wing, he skilfully dribbled past nearly six Ivorian defenders before unleashing a strike that sent the Emerging Stars back into the lead.

Bakary Kone’s charges squandered a few promising opportunities that could have restored parity ahead of the return leg at home on Tuesday, November 17, at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

To make matters worse for the Ivorians, their captain, Christ Tape, was shown a second yellow card, resulting in a dismissal after fouling Irad Mshindi in the final minute of the match. He will therefore miss the return leg on home soil.

Kenya U23 vs Ivory Coast U23: AFCON Qualifiers First-Leg Lineups

Emerging Stars: Caleb Kramer, Baron Ochieng, Robinson Musungu, Jackson Imbiakha, Kevin Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet, Brooklyn Kazungu, Emmanuel Erupe, Lawrence Okoth, Andreas Odhiambo, Humphrey Aroko.

Ivory Coast: Yvann Birama, Emmanuel Kakou, Jean Ives Valou, N’guetta Ekou, Souleymane Fofana, Bi Djiamgone, Bi Goore, Eddy Doue, Mamadou Kone.