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Wanzala, who won the goalkeeper of the tournament award, has revealed the side's ambition at the upcoming U-20 AFCON, having sealed qualification for the tournament despite losing the CECAFA qualifying final to Tanzania on Sunday.
Rising Stars goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala has set his sights on ambitious goals for the upcoming U-20 AFCON in 2025, following Kenya's historic qualification for the tournament.
Although the team fell short in the final, losing 2-1 to hosts Tanzania at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Wanzala’s standout performances earned him the tournament's top goalkeeper accolade.
Kenya's narrow defeat was a bitter pill for Salim Babu’s squad, who were forced to settle for the runners-up medal in what was their third consecutive final appearance.
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12:23 - 21.10.2024
Six things learnt from Kenya's heroic U-20 AFCON qualification despite loss to Tanzania in CECAFA final
Six things we learnt from Kenya's CECAFA U-20 AFCON campaign in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania where they managed to seal a ticket to the 2025 tournament despite losing the final 2-1 to the hosts.
Despite the setback, the Kakamega Homeboyz shot-stopper remained optimistic, taking pride in his individual achievement and the team’s historic feat of becoming the first Kenyan age-group side to qualify for the U-20 AFCON since 1972.
Reflecting on the final, Wanzala admitted his disappointment but was quick to highlight the positive aspects of the campaign.
"Our plan was to win. This was our third straight final. We have lost all of them, but we thank God no one suffered a serious injury. We will regroup and prepare for AFCON,” Wanzala told Pulse Sports.
Wanzala, who has been part of Kenya’s youth teams from U-18 to U-20, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country.
“I thank God for the chance I have been given since I was with the U-18s to U-20 now. We have now qualified for AFCON which will take place next year. We are all brothers with a strong camaraderie.”
The young goalkeeper acknowledged the challenge of missing out on the ultimate prize but remained hopeful for the future.
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"We followed the coach’s instructions to the letter and sealed qualification. Of course, it hurts not to have won the ultimate trophy, but we hope we will make a mark at the U-20 AFCON and qualify for the World Cup."
Kenya will have to qualify for the semi finals of the tournament for them to quailify for the U-20 World Cup.
With an eye on the future, Wanzala set an ambitious personal target for the tournament. “It is a challenge for me to become the best goalkeeper at AFCON, so I have to work very hard,” he added, signaling his determination to continue honing his skills ahead of the prestigious continental showdown.
As Kenya prepares for the U-20 AFCON, Wanzala’s leadership between the posts and the Rising Stars' newfound unity will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their quest for success on the continental stage.
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