Kenya’s U-18 gears up for Rwanda challenge in CECAFA Championship
The national U-18 boys’ football team is seeking a semi-final berth today at the CECAFA Championship as they face a tricky Rwanda at Mambo Leo Grounds in Kisumu.
The Junior Stars commenced their title chase with a majestic show on Saturday, thrashing Sudan 5-0 in front of a charged crowd that included Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa.
Their first game left the local football fans with a thirst to sample more of their tantalising football, knitted by coach Salim Babu.
Should Kenya secure another victory this afternoon against Junior Amavubi, they will cruise into the last four of the tournament with one game in store.
Head coach Salim Babu says they are taking one game at a time and there is no room for error against Rwanda who trounced Somalia 1-0 in their opener.
“We did well in the first game and that is in the past now. Full focus is on Rwanda, and the objective is to get a win that will be key for us to go into the next round.
The boys are in good mood and shape, they have recovered well since our game on Saturday. Despite the fact that we won by a five-goal margin, we cannot afford to underrate our opponents,” Babu said.
The Junior Stars impressed with their passing, composure, and chance creation against Sudan, and fans will be waiting to see a similar display today against Rwanda.
Striker Luis Ingavi scored a brace in the last engagement and will be keen to increase his goal tally today as he sets his sights on the top scorer gong.
The second match of the day will see Somalia lock horns with Rwanda in a redemption game for both teams having lost in their opening Group A fixtures.
