• FOOTBALL

• Sportsbeat Correspondent 1 hr ago

Statement win for Kenya against Malta in U-15 World Cup

Kenya’s Under-15 team made an impressive start to the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026, thrashing Malta 6-2 in their opening match in Baku, Azerbaijan, as Duncan Muyah stole the spotlight with a hat-trick.

The Bwake Boys striker led Kenya’s attacking charge, scoring three goals to help Patrick Nyale’s side secure a convincing victory and announce their arrival on the international stage.

Innocent Media, Lewis Wafula and Silas Juma also found the back of the net as Kenya demonstrated its attacking quality in the eight-a-side tournament.

The young Kenyans made their intentions clear from the opening stages, heading into the half-time break with a commanding 4-0 lead over their European opponents.

Although Malta managed to score twice after the break, Kenya maintained its attacking threat to complete a six-goal performance and begin its campaign on a winning note.

The result provides an encouraging start for a Kenyan side seeking to make the most of the historic competition, which brings together young footballers in a festival-style format designed to promote development and international experience.

Under coach Nyale, Kenya travelled to Azerbaijan with a squad of 14 players for the inaugural event.

Unlike conventional FIFA football matches, the tournament uses an eight-a-side format played on smaller pitches measuring 68 x 50m. Matches consist of two 20-minute halves, with rolling substitutions allowing teams to rotate players throughout the contest.

The format places a premium on quick transitions, attacking movement and efficient use of possession, qualities Kenya displayed in its emphatic victory over Malta.

Kenya’s attention now turns to its remaining group-stage fixtures against Niger and North Korea as the young side looks to build on its opening performance.

With Muyah leading the scoring charts for the team after his opening-match hat-trick, Kenya will be hoping to maintain its momentum and continue making an impression at the historic tournament in Baku.