Kenya is on the verge of making history as the Rising Stars prepare to face Burundi in the semi-final of the CECAFA Under-20 Championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A win would secure their first-ever spot in the junior Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Coach Salim Babu expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and growth throughout the tournament. “We have prepared really well since we started our training camp in Nairobi.
This team has been together from the Under-18 level, and we have high hopes for this match. Our goal is to qualify for the AFCON, and we will work hard to achieve it,” Babu stated.
The Rising Stars, many of whom played in the CECAFA U-18 Championships final last year, are optimistic about their chances. Team captain Amos Wanjala emphasized the significance of qualifying for the Cup of Nations, saying, “We want to make history and achieve something significant. Qualifying for the Cup of Nations is a massive target for us.”
Inspired by the Under-17 girls’ team, which became the first Kenyan team to qualify for a World Cup, the Rising Stars are motivated to make their own mark.
They finished their Group A campaign unbeaten, with victories over Sudan, Tanzania, and Djibouti, and a draw against Rwanda. They now face a strong Burundi side that finished second in their group.
