Kenya's Emerging Stars upbeat ahead of COSAFA Cup opener against Zambia

Kenya's Aldrine Kibet in action during a training session.[FKF]

Kenya's Emerging Stars are upbeat as they prepare to take on Zambia's Chipolopolo in their first Group B match of the 2024 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup.

The highly anticipated clash is set for Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqebera, South Africa.

This marks the seventh consecutive year that the COSAFA Cup is being held in South Africa. The tournament features 12 nations divided into three groups of four teams each.

Although Kenya is not a COSAFA member, they received an invitation to participate following Malawi's withdrawal. This will be Kenya's second appearance in the championship, having previously competed in the 2013 edition.

Kenya, placed in Group B alongside Comoros and Zimbabwe, comes into the tournament with a strong record, having won three and drawn two of their last five matches.

Their most recent results include a goalless draw against African champions Ivory Coast and a 1-1 draw with Burundi.

The team will be under the guidance of Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo, with assistance from Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya.

Initially, Kenya planned to send their senior team, but the decision was later made to field the U23 squad. Coach Odhiambo views this as an opportunity for the young players to audition for the senior team, with head coach Engin Firat observing from the stands.

"The qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will start in September. We felt it is good to test the U23 team and see if we can use them in the senior team. We know what our senior players can do, and this tournament will give the U23 players a chance to show whether they are ready for Harambee Stars," said Odhiambo.

Odhiambo acknowledged the risks of fielding a young squad but emphasized the potential long-term benefits. "This is a risk that we are taking, but it is worth it. Actually, this is what we have been waiting for... Rome was not built in a day. We move from the foundation to the roof," he stated.

Kenyans will be keenly following the team's performance in the tournament. Zambia, under coach Chisi Mbwewe, boasts the most COSAFA Cup titles, having won the competition seven times since its inception in 1997. They are also the defending champions, having won the last two editions and are aiming to become the first country to win three consecutive titles.

Despite their higher ranking at 90th, Zambia has experienced a dip in form, attributed to recent losses against Tanzania and Morocco. They have won only one of their last five matches and just two of their last ten, but will be eager to bounce back with a victory over Kenya.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a strong start in their COSAFA Cup campaigns. With the Emerging Stars eager to make their mark and Chipolopolo looking to defend their title, fans can expect an exciting encounter.