Kenya U20 team produced came from a goal down to hold hosts Sudan 1-1 in an entertaining 2017 Africa U20 Cup of Nations played on Sunday night at the Al Merreikh Stadium in Khartoum.

Going into the match after their older brothers Harambee Stars were knocked out of contention for 2017 Afcon in Gabon,the young lads were under intense pressure to perform with an away game against a formidable side like Sudan.

However Kenya U20 under the tutelage of John Kamau got a early blow when Hassan Motwakil struck just before the half hour mark to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 win as he beat Goal keeper Timothy Odhiambo will a well take low shot.

The game went to the break with Sudan firmly in the lead however upon resumption in the second half the pep talk from coach John Kamau seemed to have been a strong one as the Kenya fired from all cylinders trying to find the equalizer.

Gor Mahia midfielder Amos Nondi  was the man to do the damage to Sudan when he struck the equalizer from the penalty spot after Ovella Ochieng was brought down in the penalty box for the scores to stand at 1-1 as the game progressed with speed.

This is the third draw in ten meetings between the two sides in U20 qualifiers.

The return leg will be staged in Nairobi on Saturday 23 April with the aggregate winner playing Malawi in the second round.

Kenya U20 Starting XI: Timothy Odhiambo (GK), Amos Nondi (CPT), Dennis Gicheru, Erick Ouma, Collins Okumu, Joseph Okumu, Michael Mutinda, John Macharia, Musa Masika (Boniface Muchiri 56’), Nicholas Kipkirui (Eugine Mukhangula 75’), Ovella Ochieng’ (Jafari Owiti 90′)

Unused Subs: Edwin Mukolwe (GK), Kevin Owino, Vincent Wasambo, Kibet Kilele

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com