U-20 AFCON: Tunisia bounce back with victory over Kenya

Tunisia came from behind to register their first win in Group B from the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Kenya on Sunday. VAR intervention, eighteen added minutes in the first half and a superb goal were the highlights of the encounter.

Although Kenya looked the better side in the opening minutes, it was the Tunisians who made the first attempt. Fais Bousnina tested Kenyan goalie Wycliford Oduor seven minutes into the match. Kenya took the lead in the 38th minute when Lawrence Ouma slotted home from close range after a brilliant play by Hassan Beja.

Tunisia equalized deep into first-half stoppage time through Bousnina’s well-taken spot kick. The Liberian match referee added eighteen minutes of additional time due to three separate injuries that interrupted the encounter for several minutes.

After the recess, Kenya dominated the proceedings but experience was the key to Tunisia’s success. Omar Ben Ali gave the North Africans the lead with the simplest of finishes following a poor clearance by the East Africans. Alaaeddine Derbali sealed the win with a brilliant strike from the right wing with a few minutes to go.

Tunisia collected their first maximum points, while Kenya are on the brink of early elimination. Tunisia wrap up Group B play against North African rivals Morocco on Wednesday while Kenya need Nigeria to win in Sunday’s later match against Morocco, then defeat the Flying Eagles on Wednesday to have any hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.

Group B Table