The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Group B clash between Nigeria U20 and Kenya U20 ended in a 2–2 draw, a result that sees both teams finishing their group stage campaigns on mixed notes, Footynaija.com reports.
Despite dominating possession, Nigeria U20 failed to secure the full three points against a spirited Kenya U20 side.
Kenya U20 took an early lead in the 6th minute, when a penalty was awarded following a handball by a Nigerian defender. Kevin Wanganya stepped up to convert, giving Kenya a 1–0 advantage. The goal injected confidence into the Kenyan team, who were more than happy to sit back and defend their early lead.
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However, Nigeria U20 responded quickly, equalizing just seven minutes later in the 13th minute. A fine delivery from the left wing found Kelvin Arierhi, who was in the right place at the right time to slot the ball into the back of the net. Nigeria’s swift equalizer set the stage for an exciting contest.
Both sides continued to attack in search of a winner, but it was Kenya who regained the lead in the 68th minute. Wycliffe Gitama capitalized on a free kick, finding space to score with a well-taken strike. Kenya’s 2–1 advantage gave them hope for an upset, but Nigeria would not go down without a fight.
The equalizer came in the 73rd minute when Nigeria was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Captain Daniel Bameyi kept his cool and converted the penalty, leveling the score at 2–2. The match saw a few more chances for both sides, but neither team could find a third goal.
This result means that Nigeria U20 finished the group stage in second place, with 5 points from three matches. The team will now shift their focus to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Kenya U20, on the other hand, ended their group stage in fourth place with just one point, falling short of advancing to the next round.
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