BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
The Kenya U23 national team, Emerging Stars, is ready for their opening 2024 COSAFA Cup game against Zambia on Thursday, coach Kennedy Odhiambo has said.
Odhiambo stated: “The boys are ready. We are just waiting for the whistle tomorrow, these boys want to showcase their talent so I think they’ll give us more than we expect.”
The team held their first training session in South Africa on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in preparation for their opening match in the COSAFA Cup.The team arrived in South Africa on Tuesday.
Emerging Stars Captain, Ronney Onyango is adamant that his team has not only come to participate but rather to compete and reach the tournament’s climax.
This tournament provides a great opportunity for Emerging Stars to gain international experience and exposure and prepare for the 2027 AFCON that is set to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya will kick off their group stage matches on Thursday, June 27, against Zambia, followed by games against Comoros on June 30 and Zimbabwe on July 2.
Travelling Squad
Goal Keepers
Byrne Omondi, Ibrahim Wanzala, Dolph Junior
Defenders
Alphonce Omija, Paul Ochuoga, Sylvester Owino, Geoffrey Onyango, Amos Wanjala
Midfielders
Stanley Wilson, Elly Owande, Chrispine Erambo, Aldrine Kibet, Austine Odhiambo, Patrick Otieno, John Ochieng, Kaycie Odhiambo, William Gitamu, Rooney Onyango.
Forwards
Benson Omalla, Jeremy Bissau, Alfred Tanui, Hassan Beja, Moses Shummah
COSAFA CUP
Fixtures
Group Stages
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Group B
1. Comoros vs Zimbabwe (NMB Stadium, 3 pm)
2. Zambia vs Kenya (NMB Stadium, 6 pm)
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Group B
1. Kenya vs Comoros (Wolfson Stadium, 12 noon)
2. Zambia vs Zimbabwe (Wolfson Stadium, 3 pm)
Tuesday, July 2 , 2024
Group B
1. Kenya vs Zimbabwe (Wolfson Stadium, 12 noon)
2. Comoros vs Zambia (NMB Stadium, 12 noon)
Semifinals
Friday, July 5, 2024
1. Winner Group B vs Winner Group C (NMB Stadium, 3 pm)
2. Winner Group A vs Best 2nd Place (NMB Stadium, 6 pm)
Finals
Sunday, July 7, 2024
1. Third place Playoff (NMB Stadium, 2 pm)
2. Final (NMB Stadium, 5 pm)
