Kenya’s Emerging Stars face an anxious wait regarding their future in the 2024 COSAFA Cup following a decisive 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in their final Group B match at Wolfson Stadium, Ibhayi, South Africa, on Tuesday afternoon. The team must now await the outcomes of the final Group C games to determine their progression in the competition.

Second-half goals from Austin Odhiambo and Benson Omalla of Gor Mahia led Kenya to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat against Comoros in their second tournament match. This setback came after an impressive 2-0 victory over defending champions Zambia in their opening match.

Zimbabwe, having won their first two matches against Comoros (1-0) and Zambia (2-0), were eliminated from the tournament. Comoros advanced to the semifinals as Group B leaders after a three-way head-to-head record with Kenya and Zimbabwe, with all three teams finishing on six points. Their results against Zambia were excluded, and rankings were determined based on goal difference and goals scored.

Comoros, having lost 1-0 to Zimbabwe but defeating Kenya 2-0 and Zambia 1-0, had a superior goal difference (+1) compared to Kenya (0) and Zimbabwe (-1). Consequently, Comoros topped the group.

Images from Kenya’s 2-0 win over Zimbabwe #CosafaCup2024#EmergingStars#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/70FbMJ5vAG

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Kenya’s continuation in the tournament now depends on the outcomes of Angola and Namibia’s final Group C games against Lesotho and Seychelles, respectively.

The 2024 COSAFA Cup includes twelve teams divided into three groups of four. Group A features hosts South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and eSwatini. Group C includes Angola, last year’s runner-up Lesotho, Namibia, and Seychelles. The best team in each group automatically advances to the semifinals, along with the best second-placed team.

Group A remains highly competitive, with all teams on two points after all fixtures ended in draws. Consequently, no team from Group A can qualify as the best second-placed team. In Group C, Angola and Namibia are tied on four points and goal difference, but Angola is ahead on goals scored. Seychelles and Lesotho are also tied on one point, with Seychelles ranked higher on goals scored.

For Kenya to advance, they need either Angola or Namibia to lose or draw in their final matches. Otherwise, either Angola or Namibia will qualify as the best second-placed team by reaching seven points, a tally no other second-placed team can match.

Emerging Stars coach Ken Odhiambo praised his players for adapting to the windy conditions and following the game plan. “We noticed that Zimbabwe struggled with high balls, and my players capitalized on that weakness,” Odhiambo said.

Austin Odhiambo commended the team’s ability to use the wind’s direction to their advantage in the second half. “Playing against the wind in the first half was challenging, but we utilized it in the second half to play long balls, which led to our goals,” Odhiambo noted.

Kenya’s win over Zimbabwe improved their record against them to six wins, five draws, one loss, 14 goals scored, and seven goals conceded in 12 meetings.

Ken Odhiambo made three changes to the lineup that lost to Comoros. Byrne Omondi remained in goal, with Geoffrey Onyango replacing the suspended Paul Ochuoga in defense. Kayci Odhiambo took John Ochieng’s place in midfield, and Hassan Beja replaced Patrick Otieno in attack.

After a lackluster first half, Kenya came alive in the second half with Austin Odhiambo opening the scoring in the 54th minute, followed by Benson Omalla’s goal 19 minutes later. Despite pressing for a third goal, it did not come, leaving Kenya hopeful for favorable results in Group C’s final matches.

No matter the outcome, the Emerging Stars will leave South Africa proud of their performance in the tournament.