The Kenya National U-18 Boys team, Junior Stars, secured their ticket into the semi-finals of CECAFA U-18 Championship after a 4-1 win in their final group A match against Somalia on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Bukhungu Stadium.
Despite an early breakthrough by Abdihafid Abdi, granting Somalia a lead in the 19th minute, Kenya swiftly responded, leveling the score just five minutes later through a goal by Humphrey Aroko. Momentum swung in Kenya’s favor when Stanley Omondi’s long-range free kick found the net in the 28th minute, giving Junior Stars a lead as they entered halftime.
The second half witnessed Humphrey Aroko complete his brace when he scored the team’s third goal. Furthermore, Aldrine Kibet came off the bench to score the fourth and final goal in the 74th minute, adding to his tally of three goals in the tournament so far.
In another group A match, Rwanda secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Sudan. Ndayishimiye Didier struck early with a goal in the 37th minute, followed by Hoziyana Kenedy and Irakoze Jean Paul contributing the second and third goals, respectively.
Junior Stars finish top of group A with 9 points, 10 goals scored and only 1 conceded, while Rwanda secured the second position.
Both semi final matches are slated to be played on Tuesday, December 3, 2023 at Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo Stadium. Kenya will face Tanzania in the second semi final at 2:30pm while Uganda play Rwanda at 11 a.m.