Rising Stars land historic U20 AFCON qualification

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenya national U20 team, the Rising Stars has made history.

The team landed a spot in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semi-finals of the U20 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers, ongoing in Tanzania.

Despite Kenya’s control in the first half, neither side could find the breakthrough, as the teams went for the break tied at 0.0.

In the second half, Lawrence Okoth opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, before Hassan Beja doubled the lead with a clinical finish in the 66th minute. Aldrine Kibet made it 3-0 in the 69th minute. Louise Ingavi capped off the match with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+4 minute.

Kenya advanced to the final, where they will meet Tanzania on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The two sides previously met in the group stage, with Kenya emerging 2-1 winners.

Both teams have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON as the CECAFA region’s representatives, but the final will determine the regional champion in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Meanwhile, Junior Starlets will on Sunday play Korea DPR in Group C’s second match of the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The match at the Estadio Cibao Stadium, will kick off at 11 am East African Time.

Junior Starlets on Thursday made their debut at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, with a hard-fought 2-0 loss against England.

The game’s turning point came in the 29th minute when Lola Brown put England in the lead with a penalty. Despite a yellow card for Rebecca Odato in the 34th minute, the Starlets fought back fiercely, with Marion Serenge and Valerie Nekesa relentlessly pushing for an equaliser.

Their efforts, however, fell short as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of England. In the second half, Susan Akoth was brought on in the 57th minute to add new energy to the team, replacing Lindey Weey Atieno.

Later in the 84th minute, Joan Ogola replaced Lorna Faith, just as England extended their lead through a strike from Lauryn Thompson.