Junior Stars carry Kenyans’ hopes ahead of crucial CECAFA Under-18 semi-final against Tanzania

The Kenya national under-18 men’s football team will have to be at their best if they are to proceed to the finals of the 2023 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Under-18 Championship.

The Junior Stars face Tanzania in a mouthwatering semi-final on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu. The other semifinal will feature Uganda against neighbours Rwanda at the same venue.

Kenya Head coach Salim Babu has called on his team to shift their focus, despite finishing on top in Pool 'A with a perfect record. He underscored the need to put those victories in the past and concentrate on winning the upcoming game. Having observed Tanzania's progress throughout the tournament, he acknowledges the challenge and stresses the importance of being in top shape to qualify.

Tanzania head coach Habib Kondo Kikwayu admits his team may be considered underdogs, given Junior Stars' unbeaten run and goal-scoring prowess. He, however, expressed confidence in his team's ability to make things difficult for the Kenyans, stating, "We are not afraid of anyone because we believe in ourselves."

Junior Stars will have the advantage of playing before a passionate home crowd, being up against one of the toughest sides in the championship so far. Both teams finished with four points and identical goal figures, but Tanzania secured the top spot based on disciplinary records, having received fewer yellows in their group matches.

In Pool 'B,' Uganda secured the top spot with six points after beating South Sudan 2-0 in their final game. Head Coach Morley Bywekwaso also expressed optimism about leading the team to victory against Rwanda, who finished second in Pool A.

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