Kenya’s Rising Stars made history on Friday night, securing their first-ever Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ticket with an emphatic 4-0 win over Burundi. The semi-final of the U20 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking a milestone for Kenyan football.
With this victory, Kenya’s national Under-20 team has earned their place in the AFCON tournament set for January in South Africa. This achievement is particularly significant, as it is the first time a Kenyan men’s junior side has qualified for the continental event.
Rising Stars Stunning Performance Seals Historic Qualification
The match saw Kenya’s Rising Stars dominate Burundi with impressive goals from Lawrence Okoth, Hassan Beja, Aldrine Kibet, and Louis Ingavi. Their clinical finishing and solid teamwork left no room for Burundi to recover, as the Rising Stars showcased their skill and determination on the pitch.
Kenya’s strong second-half performance sealed their historic win, sending a clear message to the rest of Africa that they are a force to be reckoned with. This result not only puts Kenya on the continental football map but also boosts the country’s hopes for a bright future in the sport.
Kenya will be joined by Tanzania at the AFCON U20 in South Africa after the hosts edged out Uganda 2-1 in a dramatic extra-time showdown. Uganda initially took the lead through Toto Majub in the 47th minute, but a costly mistake by their goalkeeper, Abdul Magada, saw Tanzania level the score with an own goal in the 73rd minute.
As the match headed into extra time, Jammy Seleman scored the decisive goal for Tanzania, securing their spot in the continental tournament alongside Kenya.
CECAFA Final
After securing the two coveted slots for the CECAFA region, Kenya and Tanzania will now face each other in the CECAFA U20 Championship final next Sunday. With both teams riding high after their semi-final victories, the stage is set for an exciting clash that could serve as a preview of their AFCON performances next year.