Kenya U20 topples Djibouti in U20 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers

The Kenya National U-20 team, the Rising Stars, bounced back to winning form at the CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, by defeating Djibouti 4-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Coach Salim Babu made some changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Aldrine Kibet and Lawrence Okoth, while Kelly Madada and Louis Ingavi were left out. This tactical shift aimed to increase their goal difference, and it proved successful as goals from Hassan Beja, Lawrence Okoth, and two from Kelvin Wangaya secured the win.

The Rising Stars took control of the match early on, scoring their first goal in the fourth minute when Hassan Beja capitalised on a defensive mistake after a chance created by William Gitama.

Just six minutes later, in the 10th minute, Kevin Wangaya scored again, following a quick one-two with Aldrine Kibet, who had been promoted to the starting team for this match.

Djibouti struggled to find their rhythm, and Wangaya extended Kenya’s lead to 3-0 with a penalty in the 25th minute after Beja was fouled in the box. Djibouti managed to create a chance in the 36th minute, but Kenya’s goalkeeper Manzur Okwaro made a crucial save, keeping the score at 3-0 as they headed into halftime.

Wangaya continued to shine throughout the tournament and assisted the fourth goal after intercepting a pass near the halfway line. He drove forward and made a precise pass to Okoth, who calmly scored, making it 4-0.

Kenya maintained dominance over the match, with opportunities to add more goals but failed to convert. Ultimately, the Rising Stars secured all three points, moving to the top of the table with seven points after three matches. Tanzania and Sudan are close behind with six points each, while Rwanda has one point, and Djibouti is yet to earn any points in the tournament.