Kenya’s Rising Stars are on the verge of making history after a stunning 4-0 victory over Sudan in the semi-finals of the CECAFA Under-20 Championships, held at the Azam Complex in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
This comprehensive win, driven by Aldrine Kibet’s sensational hat-trick, has left the team just one game away from securing a place in the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in Kenya’s history.
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Dominance from the Start
Heading into the match, Kenya needed only a point to progress to the semi-finals, but a victory would secure their place at the top of Group A and avoid defending champions Uganda in the next round.
The Rising Stars, under the guidance of coach Salim Babu, were not satisfied with merely qualifying. They sought to make a statement, and they did just that with a commanding display against Sudan.
Aldrine Kibet, the Nastic Academy attacker, opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute. Kibet headed home from a well-taken corner kick by AFC Leopards midfielder Hassan Beja, giving Kenya an early advantage.
The Rising Stars controlled the tempo from the start, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch.
Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohammed Abdalla Ibrahim, was tested multiple times within the opening minutes, particularly from Beja and Kibet’s early attempts. Despite Ibrahim’s valiant efforts to keep Sudan in the game, Kenya’s relentless attacking pressure soon paid off.
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Kibet Shines Bright
Kibet was the standout performer in this match, showcasing his sharp finishing and tactical awareness. In the 40th minute, Kibet struck again, doubling Kenya’s lead.
The goal came after a neat exchange between William Mwangi and Baron Ochieng, with Mwangi delivering a perfect assist for Kibet to slide in and finish calmly from the center of the box.
Kibet’s impact was felt throughout the game, and his combination with Kevin Wangaya proved too much for Sudan’s defense to handle. Wangaya nearly added a goal himself in the 22nd minute, but his effort was well-saved by Sudan’s standout performer, Abdalla Ibrahim.
Sudan’s Fightback Falls Short
Sudan came out in the second half with renewed energy and attempted to claw their way back into the match. Their first chance of the half came early, but the opponent’s goalkeeper, Ibrahim Wanzala, was alert to push the ball away from danger.
Sudan’s persistence continued, and they nearly scored from a free kick in the 57th minute. However, Wanzala once again denied Sudan with a brilliant save, while a follow-up long-range effort from Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri sailed wide.
Sudan’s inability to capitalize on their few chances allowed Kenya to maintain control of the match, and the Rising Stars continued to probe for more goals.
Kenya’s Substitutions Seal the Win
At the hour mark, Salim Babu made strategic substitutions, bringing on USA-based Louis Ingavi and Shabana’s Dalphene Ezekiah for Lawrence Okoth and William Mwangi. These fresh legs added to Kenya’s attacking options, ensuring they maintained their pressure on Sudan.
In the 67th minute, Wangaya scored the team’s third goal, taking full advantage of a poor clearance by Sudan’s Elborae Gamal Elhag. Wangaya’s strike marked his fourth goal of the competition, further cementing his status as one of the standout players in the tournament.
Aldrine Kibet wasn’t finished yet. In the 90th minute, Kibet completed his hat-trick, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Kenya. His hat-trick not only sent Kenya into the semi-finals but also placed them just one win away from qualifying for the Under-20 AFCON for the first time in the nation’s history.
One Step Away from History
With this victory, Kenya’s Rising Stars have taken a significant step towards qualifying for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The semi-final win puts them in a strong position, needing just one more victory to secure their spot in the tournament. The top two teams from the CECAFA Under-20 Championships will qualify for next year’s U20 AFCON.
Their journey so far has been impressive, with standout performances from players like Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, and goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala. The Rising Stars have demonstrated tactical discipline, teamwork, and individual brilliance throughout the tournament, giving Kenyan fans hope for a bright future in football.
