Victor Wanyama lauds Junior Stars despite loss to Uganda in CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship final

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FOOTBALL Victor Wanyama lauds Junior Stars despite loss to Uganda in CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship final

Festus Chuma 08:00 - 09.12.2023

Former Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama praises Junior Stars despite their loss to Uganda in CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship final.

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has showered praise on Kenya's Junior Stars for their impressive performance at the 2023 CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship despite their heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to the Uganda Junior Cranes in a closely-contested final.

The electrifying showdown unfolded at a packed-to-the-rafters Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Batiibwe Okello and Travis Mutyaba were the architects of Uganda's breathtaking comeback, as they managed to overturn Syphas Owuor's early opener for Kenya.

Both teams, playing in front of a fervent crowd exhibited fierce determination and created numerous scoring opportunities in the first half, but their efforts were thwarted time and again.

Wanyama, who has been a symbol of Kenyan footballing excellence, urged everyone to recognize the remarkable journey of the Junior Stars, even in the face of this bitter defeat.

"We may have fallen short, but this team displayed a multitude of great attributes throughout their journey to the final. The future is undeniably bright, and we must continue to nurture and support our young talents," Wanyama remarked on Instagram.

Kenya's remarkable journey at the regional showcase commenced with a resounding 5-0 victory over Sudan.

They continued their winning streak with a 1-0 triumph over Rwanda and a dominant 4-1 win against Somalia at Bukhungu Stadium, securing their place in the final showdown against Pool B runners-up, Tanzania.

In the fiercely contested semifinals, the Junior Stars displayed nerves of steel, clinching victory through a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular time.

This thrilling victory earned them the right to face the Uganda Junior Cranes, who had previously dispatched Rwanda in their semifinal clash.

Wanyama, a testament to the potential nurtured in youth football, made his debut for the national team at a mere 15 years of age in May 2007.

During his illustrious career, Kenya faced Nigeria in a friendly match, ultimately losing 1-0.

Over the course of 14 years, he proudly represented the Harambee Stars, becoming a symbol of leadership and excellence in Kenyan football.

His appointment as captain, ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in 2013, surprised many who believed that Dennis Oliech was the natural choice for the leadership role.

Affectionately known as the 'Lion of Muthurwa,' the CF Montreal midfielder announced his retirement from international duty with the Harambee Stars in October 2021, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and dedication to the Kenyan national team.

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