Emerging Stars Bury Mauritius In Five Goal Avalanche

NAIROBI, Kenya- National side Emerging Stars took a giant step towards qualifying for the second round of the Africa Under 23 Cup of Nations when they buried visiting Mauritius 5-0 on Wednesday afternoon.

Johnston Omurwa and James Mazembe gave the home side a 2-0 cushion at the break in the match played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Piston Mutamba, Sidney Lokale and captain Joseph Okumu sealed the rout in the second half to leave Kenya in a commanding position ahead of the second on Thursday.

Former senior side Harambee Stars head coach, Francis Kimanzi started with Brian Bwire in goal with Okumu, Omurwa, Yussuf Mainge and David Owino lining up ahead of the custodian in defence.

Ovella Ochieng, Mutamba and Mazembe started upfront.

The winner on aggregate will face off with either of Sudan or Seychelles in the second round, with a third round also in line.

The third round winner will gain qualification to the final AFCON U23 tournament, which will act as a qualifier to the 2020 Olympics.

Teams

Kenya

Starting XI: 1. Brian Bwire (GK), 2. Joseph Okumu (C), 5. Yussuf Mainge, 20. Johnstone Omurwa, 16. David Owino, 6. Teddy Osok, 7. Ovella Ochieng, 19. Ibrahim Shambi, 17. Chrispinus Onyango, 3. James Mazembe, 9. Pistone Mutamba

Substitutes: 18. Timothy Odhiambo, 12. Mike Kibwage, 11. Jafari Owiti, 10. Sydney Lokale, 8. Tobbias Otieno, 13. Alwyn Tera, 14. Henry Ochieng

Mauritius

Starting XI: 1. Alexandre Figaro, 7. Adel Langue, 3. Gukoola Neelesh, 4. Vincent Emmanuel, 9. Jean-Jacques Patate, 15. Lionel Larose, 6. Alison Charlot, 13. Saramandif Kengy, 14. Adrien Francois, 17. Wilson Damien, 18. Jason Ferre

Substitutes: 2. Pascal Ferre, 5, Sophie Dawson, 8. Jackson Fernando, 10. David Igory, 11. Mustafa Bilaal, 12. Cataperman Ronaldo, 16. Richie Nani