Kenya U20 coach Salim Babu has shifted his focus to Friday’s crucial semifinal clash between the Rising Stars and Burundi in the AFCON U20 CECAFA qualifiers, set to be played at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.The Rising Stars secured their semifinal spot after defeating Sudan 4-0 in their final Group A match yesterday, topping the group with 10 points from three wins and a draw. Kenya’s unbeaten run saw them leapfrog hosts Tanzania, setting up a date with Burundi and are now on the verge of securing a place at the continental showpiece.##NAJAVA_MECA_8415236##Aldrine Kibet stole the spotlight in the Sudan match, netting a hat-trick, while Kevin Wangaya continued his impressive form with his fourth goal of the tournament, a stunning curling effort that left the Sudanese goalkeeper rooted to the spot.Kenya’s victory means they will face Burundi, while Tanzania will meet Uganda in the other semifinal. Both semifinal winners will qualify for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), though CAF is yet to confirm the host nation for the junior tournament,Speaking after the match, the soft-spoken lauded his team for the good display against Sudan in what was expected to be a tough game.“I am very happy with how my players performed, scoring four goals. The overall performance was good, and I am proud of these boys for executing our plan almost perfectly. The results speak for themselves. I couldn’t ask for more,” said Babu, who also coaches Kenya Police FC, in his post-match interview.Former Gor Mahia defender turned police Harun Shakava addresses retirement talksLooking ahead to the semifinal, Babu acknowledged the challenge Burundi poses but remained confident his team will rise to the occasion.“We now have to focus on preparing for the semifinal against Burundi. It won’t be an easy game because they’ve earned their place, but we’ll need to be at our best to advance. We’ll give it our all,” he added.The semifinal is scheduled to kick off at 7 PM.Ongwae reveals SamWest Blackboots’ strategy that earned maiden win
