Kenya's Emerging Stars were served a humble pie on Sunday when they fell 2-0 against Comoros in Group B of the ongoing Cosafa Cup staged at the Wolfson Stadium.
The East Africans were punished courtesy of Affane Djambae who scored in either half much to the frustration of the Ken Odhiambo-led squad.
Unlike the first game against the defending champions Zambia, Kenya struggled to stamp their authority against Comoros who had suffered a 1-0 loss in their first match against Zimbabwe.
Gor Mahia's Paul Ochuoga – who was given a chance after being overlooked in the previous assignment, was sent off after receiving a second yellow owing to a clumsy foul in the danger zone.
Djambae converted from the spot to give his side a 34th-minute lead and ensure his team went to the break with a deserving lead.
After the pause, it became worse for Kenya's U23 side; defensive lapses allowed Djambae to complete his brace and eventually seal maximum points which put them in a good position to stand a chance of advancing.
Zambia's woes extended by the Warriors
Chipolopolo's chances of making it to the next phase are over after another loss in the annual competition, against Zimbabwe who have become the first team to progress.
The Warriors looked interested from the word go, and within eight minutes, they found the back of the net.
Emmanuel Jalai spotted Michael Tapera in a good position, and the latter did not waste time to capitalize on it. It was the 25-year-old's second goal in the ongoing edition, having scored an all-important strike in the initial game.
Zambia were reduced to 10 players in the 33rd minute when Killian Kanguluma was sent off for a second bookable offense
The Zimbabweans then got their second goal two minutes to the break when Farai Banda set up Takunda Benhura. Neither team managed to get a goal in the second half of the match.
Zimbabwe lead Group B with six points, followed by Comoros and Kenya with three each – but the former have a superior goal difference. Zambia are at the bottom with no point having suffered back-to-back losses.
On Monday, Group C matches will be played – Angola will play Seychelles before Namibia face defending champions Lesotho.
