Mufulira Wanderers striker Henry Omollo Odhiambo was on target as Kenya’s Emerging Stars claimed a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the first leg of the second-round 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Omollo came off the bench to score in the 64th minute at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, November 11, putting the hosts in front in an important qualifying encounter.
Andreas Odhiambo doubled Kenya’s advantage in the 83rd minute before Oumar Konate pulled one back for the Ivorians, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of next Tuesday’s return leg in Abidjan.
The Emerging Stars, coached by Anthony Kimani, will travel to Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny looking to protect their advantage and secure progression to the third qualifying round.
Omollo’s latest contribution continues an encouraging run with the Kenyan U23 side. The forward also featured in their previous qualifying round against Tanzania in September, providing an assist for Paul Osama’s opening goal inside the first two minutes of a 4-1 victory at the same venue.
The striker joined Mufulira Wanderers on a permanent transfer from Kenyan Premier League outfit Kakamega Homeboyz in July 2026, signing a deal that runs until 2028.
His growing influence on the international stage will be an encouraging development for the Mufulira-based outfit, who are still searching for their first league victory of the transitional season.
The seven winners of the third-round home-and-away ties will join hosts Egypt at the 2027 U23 AFCON tournament.
