Kenya U23 captain Kevin Wangaya has hailed the Emerging Stars for holding their nerve to progress to the second round of the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Tanzania in the return leg in Dar es Salaam.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Emerging Stars advanced 5-4 on aggregate after their commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium a week earlier.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010068##Tanzania started the return leg strongly and raced into a two-goal lead through Sheikhan Khamis and Selemani Mwalimu, putting Kenya under sustained pressure.Wangaya came close to pulling one back before halftime when his effort struck the post, while Kenya eventually found the net in the second half through Andreas Odhiambo, a goal that proved pivotal. Mwalimu later completed his brace from the penalty spot as Tanzania won 3-1, but the hosts could not find the fourth goal they needed to level the tie.FKF's options in determining abandoned Kariobangi Sharks, Mombasa United playoffDespite the defeat, Wangaya was pleased with the team's overall achievement and praised the technical bench for guiding them through a difficult two-legged tie.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010065##"First of all, I'm proud of the team and the technical bench. It was a really tough game, but we thank God for the victory. It was a tough game, but on our side, we tried to do our best, and we are grateful for the results, although we have qualified for the next stage," Wangaya said.Final Harambee Starlets squad named for Olympic qualifier against SeychellesThe Nairobi United midfielder attributed Kenya's struggles in the return leg partly to the advantage Tanzania enjoyed from playing in front of their home supporters."I think it (tactics) failed because they were home, so it was a bit tough for us, but we gave our best, and that's the result we got from the game."McDonald Mariga breaks silence on Kariobangi Sharks, Mombasa United abandonmentWith the next round against Ivory Coast scheduled for November, Wangaya believes the players' involvement in domestic league action will be crucial in keeping them match-fit and ready for the challenge."I think the focus should just be: we try to go back now to our teams and try to focus on working hard for our team since the league is starting, and also to try and be fit for the next challenge ahead of us."##NAJAVA_MECA_10010068##Wangaya also called for patience and continued support from Kenyan fans as the Emerging Stars look to improve ahead of their next assignment."All I can tell them is we still have time. We are growing every day. So we'll try to do our best, and soon we'll get there," Wangaya said.Referee attack causes abandonment of Kariobangi Sharks, Mombasa United playoff [VIDEO]The 5-4 aggregate victory sends Kenya into the second qualifying round, where they will face Ivory Coast in November, with the winner advancing to the final qualifying round for the 2027 U23 AFCON tournament in Egypt.