Kenya’s Under-20 national football team, the Rising Stars, have secured their place in the semifinals of the 2024 Cecafa AFCON qualifiers after a dominant 4-0 victory over Sudan at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Tuesday. The win, inspired by a hat-trick from the in-form Aldrine Kibet, topped off a highly successful group stage campaign for the young Kenyan side. Topping Group A with 10 points, the Rising Stars have emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the tournament as they now set their sights on securing a spot in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Rising Stars wasted no time asserting their dominance against Sudan, with the match’s tone set in just the second minute. Kibet opened the scoring early by nodding home a perfectly delivered corner from Andreas Odhiambo, giving Kenya the lead and boosting their confidence right from the start. The goal was a product of a well-rehearsed set-piece, with Odhiambo’s precise cross finding Kibet in the right position to head the ball past the Sudanese goalkeeper.
This early lead put Sudan under immediate pressure, as they were forced to push forward in search of an equalizer. However, the Rising Stars remained composed, demonstrating their tactical discipline by keeping Sudan at bay while still threatening on the counter-attack.
As the first half progressed, Kenya continued to control the game, their midfield dominance proving too much for the Sudanese side to handle. William Gitamu was pivotal in orchestrating play from the middle of the park, providing the creative spark that allowed Kenya to maintain their attacking momentum.
Just before half-time, Kibet doubled Kenya’s lead with his second goal of the game. This time, it was a slick passing move initiated by Gitamu, who played a perfectly weighted ball into Kibet’s path. The striker showed great composure to slot the ball past the goalkeeper, putting Kenya firmly in control as they headed into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Kibet Strikes Again
With a two-goal cushion, the Rising Stars continued their dominant display in the second half, refusing to give Sudan any opportunities to get back into the game. Kevin Wangaya, one of Kenya’s standout performers throughout the tournament, added a third goal in the 68th minute. Wangaya’s sharp finishing extended the Rising Stars’ lead to 3-0 and further solidified their place in the semifinals. This goal marked Wangaya’s fourth of the tournament, cementing his reputation as one of the key players to watch in the competition.
As the match drew closer to full-time, Kenya’s defense remained resolute, ensuring that Sudan could not find a way through. In stoppage time, Aldrine Kibet completed his hat-trick, sealing a 4-0 victory for the Rising Stars. Kibet’s third goal was the icing on the cake of an impressive team performance, and his hat-trick undoubtedly marked him as the standout player of the match.
The 4-0 victory over Sudan allowed the Rising Stars to finish at the top of Group A with 10 points, narrowly edging out tournament hosts Tanzania, who finished second with 9 points. Sudan came in third with 6 points, while Rwanda finished fourth with 4 points, and Djibouti ended their campaign with zero points. Kenya’s unbeaten run in the group stage has showcased their potential to go all the way in this tournament, with strong performances both offensively and defensively.
Having secured their spot in the semifinals, the Rising Stars will now focus on their upcoming challenge as they prepare to face one of the tournament’s top teams. With Aldrine Kibet in sensational form and other key players like Kevin Wangaya and William Gitamu continuing to shine, Kenya’s Under-20 side is filled with confidence as they aim for a place in the final.
Kenya’s strong showing in the Cecafa AFCON qualifiers has ignited hopes of not only winning the regional tournament but also securing qualification for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The Rising Stars have been a revelation in this tournament, and their teamwork, discipline, and individual brilliance make them serious contenders for the title.
Kenya’s Rising Stars have been on a remarkable journey through the 2024 Cecafa AFCON qualifiers, and their emphatic 4-0 win over Sudan is a testament to their potential. Aldrine Kibet’s hat-trick performance was the highlight of the match, but it was a complete team effort that earned them their place in the semifinals. With a solid defense, creative midfield, and clinical attack, the Rising Stars are poised to make a deep run in the tournament, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if they can continue their winning ways. As they march into the semifinals, Kenya’s young talents are showing that they are ready to make their mark on the African football stage.
