Kenya’s U20 national football team, the Rising Stars, has secured a spot in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semi-finals of the U20 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers.
In a dominant display on Friday, October 18, 2024, the Rising Stars secured their place in the final and made history by qualifying for the U20 AFCON for the first time.
Despite Kenya’s control of the first half, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the teams went into halftime at 0-0. The second half, however, was a different story. Lawrence Okoth opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, setting the stage for an explosive performance by Kenya.
Hassan Beja doubled the lead with a clinical finish in the 66th minute, followed shortly by Aldrine Kibet, who made it 3-0 in the 69th minute. Louise Ingavi capped off the match with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+4 minute, sealing a comprehensive win for the Rising Stars.
With this victory, Kenya advances 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 victorious 2-1. 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.
Kenya has remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, boasting an impressive record of four wins and one draw, with 14 goals scored and only one conceded.
This qualification is a major milestone for the country’s youth football development, giving the Rising Stars the opportunity to compete on a continental stage and showcase their talent against Africa’s best.
