Kenya’s Rising Stars secured a place in the semi-finals of the CECAFA Under-20 Championships after thrashing Sudan 4-0 at the Azam Complex in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday.Kenya entered the match needing just a point to advance to the last four, though a win would have allowed them to take control of Group A and avoid defending champions Uganda in the semis.Nastic Academy attacker Aldrine Kibet scored a hat trick, while Kevin Wangaya netted the third as Salim Babu’s charges rose to the top of the pool with ten points after four matches.##NAJAVA_MECA_8417733##Kibet opened the scoring for Kenya in the fourth minute, heading home after connecting with AFC Leopards midfielder Hassan Beja’s corner kick.Before the goal, Kenya had dominated possession from the start and nearly went ahead within the opening two minutes, but Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohammed Abdalla Ibrahim stood firm to deny multiple attempts from Beja and Kibet.The Rising Stars continued to press for more opportunities, and Wangaya nearly doubled the lead in the 22nd minute after a quick interchange with Spain-based Kibet, but his shot went straight into Abdalla Ibrahim’s hands.Kibet made it 2-0 in the 40th minute, sliding in to finish from the centre of the box after being set up by William Mwangi, who had received the ball from Baron Ochieng.CS Murkomen remains hopeful of a 2025 AFCON slot despite consecutive Cameroon defeatsSudan started the second half energetically and nearly reduced the deficit with the first efforrt of the half, but goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala was alert, pushing the ball out for a corner that yielded no results.Four minutes after the restart, Kenya continued to attack as Andreas Odhiambo nearly scored a thunderbolt, but Sudan’s goalkeeper punched his shot back into play. Abdalla Ibrahim was arguably Sudan’s best player on the field.In the 57th minute, Sudan had a chance to get back into the game after winning a free kick just outside the 18-yard box.However, Ahmed Gobartalla’s set piece was pushed away by Wanzala, and Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri’s subsequent long-range effort went out for a goal kick.At the hour mark, Kenya made two substitutions, bringing in USA-based Louis Ingavi and Shabana’s Dalphene Ezekiah, with Lawrence Okoth and William Mwangi taking their places on the bench.Shikanda eyeing National Executive Committee post for Nairobi regionIn the 67th minute, Wangaya netted Kenya’s third goal and his fourth of the competition after a poor clearance from Elborae Gamal Elhag.Kibet, then completed his terrible in the 90th minute to confirm Stars’ place in the last four. Both sides continued probing for more goals but with no opening, Kenya emerged at the top to keep alive their dreams of featuring at the continental showpiece. A place in the semis means Kenya are now just one step away from qualifying for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time ever. The two finalists from the competition will qualify for next year’s U20 Cup of Nations.
