Junior Stars book CECAFA U18 semifinal slot

By Peter Ochieng

National U18 side, Junior Stars are into the semi-finals of the 2023 CECAFA U18 championships, ongoing in Kisumu and Kakamega counties.

Junior Stars beat Rwanda 1-0 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu on Tuesday to become the first team to book a semifinal spot, having beaten Sudan 5-0 in group A’s opening match on Saturday.

Aldrine Kibet scored the only goal of the match in the 37th minute, making it two goals in two matches for him, having been on the scoresheet during the first game.

Like the first match against Sudan, the team won playing entertaining football. Coach Salim Babu maintained a bulk of the side that played against Sudan, with Ibrahim Wanzala, Baron Ochieng, Amos Wanzala, Manzur Okwaro, Collins Ochieng, Stanly Wilson, Joseph Omuse, Tyron Kariuki, Elly Olwande, Kibet and Louise Ingavi completing the first 11.

Junior Odhiambo, Joshua Keya, Duncan Odhiambo, Kevin Musambai, Adrian Oloo, Lucas Maina, Dalphine Ezekiah, Humphrey Aroko, Joseph Bate, Sigmun Maina, Syphas Otieno and Alvin Kasavuli started on the bench.

The match started an hour earlier, probably due to the ongoing heavy rains in the region. Rwanda beat Somalia 1-0 in the first match on Saturday, which means they need a win against Sudan in the last group match to qualify for the semis.

Final group A matches will be played on Friday, where Kenya will face Somalia as Rwanda tackle Sudan. Group B matches are being staged at the Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega.

Group B features Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar and South Sudan. Zanzibar and Tanzania won the first group matches against South Sudan and Uganda respectively.

Group A winners will face group B runners up, while group B winners will face group A runners up in the semis.

Ababu Namwamba, Cabinet Secretary for Sports on Saturday said a huge gift await Junior Stars if they lift the CECAFA U18 title.

"Nimeonana na vijana baada ya mechi na nimewaahidi kuwa ikiwa wataibuka washindi, kuna zawadi nono (I met the boys after the match and promised them that in case they win the title, there is a huge gift)," he said.