Kenya v Rwanda: Junior Stars aim for semi-final spot in CECAFA U-18 Championship

Kenya's Junior Stars are poised to secure a spot in the 2023 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa) Under-18 championships semi-final with a game to spare as they face Rwanda in their Group A second match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu today.

In their opening group match last Saturday, Salim Babu's team delivered an impressive 5-0 victory against Sudan. US-based forward Louise Ingavi, playing for Montvarde Academy, scored a brace, while National Super League winger Tyron 'Junior' Kariuki, Spain-based Aldrine Kibet, and Elly Owande of Migori also contributed to the score sheet.

Coach Babu expressed optimism about advancing to the semis but emphasized a cautious approach against a highly rated Rwanda. He stated, "It is a game at a time for us. I'm not thinking about semis but winning the Rwanda duel first, then the rest will flow."

Kenya's Junior Stars celebrate a goal against Sudan in their opening match of the Cecafa U-18 Championships at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu (Photo: Harambee Stars/Twitter)

17-year-old goalkeeper Dahid Abdikadir from Bula Pesa, Mandera, is part of the Junior Stars squad (not registered), after bagging the chance to fly to Kisumu County alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on November 23, 2023.

The form two student from St. Anthonys Boys High School, Kitale, is the product of a thorough scouting network dispatched by the Ministry, which comprised former International players including Allan Wanga, Musa Otieno, Winna Shilavula and Denis Onyango.

The upcoming match against Rwanda is scheduled for 12 pm, followed by a clash between Somalia and Sudan at 3 pm at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.

In Group B, Tanzania is also in contention for a semifinal spot. After narrowly defeating Uganda 1-0 on Sunday at Bukhungu Stadium, they will face South Sudan on Wednesday. Zanzibar, with a similar 1-0 win against South Sudan, will play Uganda at Bukhungu Stadium from 3 pm.

The tournament organizers have designated Kakamega for Group B matches (Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and South Sudan) and Kisumu for Group A matches (Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, and Sudan). The semis, playoffs, and final will take place in Kisumu.