Kenya to face Tanzania in CECAFA Under 18 semifinals

The Junior Stars of Kenya will face off against Tanzania in the last four of the ongoing 2023 CECAFA U-18 Championship at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mambo Leo, Kisumu on Tuesday.

Kenya booked a spot in the semis after seeing off Somalia 4-1 in a match played in a full-packed Bukhungu Stadium on Friday afternoon to advance as group winners with a 100% group stage record.

Abdihafid Abdi silenced the Kenyan crowd when he gave Somalia the lead after 19 minutes but Kenya fought back to score a brace through Humphrey Omondi and a goal each for Stanley Omondi and Aldrine Kibet.

CECAFA U18: Stylish Kenya trump Somalia in five goal show

Tanzania, on their side, outsmarted the islands of Zanzibar by fair play after tying on points and goals difference prompting the tournament’s discipline committee to intervene and determine a team to proceed to semis. Luckily, Tanzania had accumulated fewer cards hence setting a mouth-watering clash against the host Kenya, denying Zanzibar a chance to add the Under 18 gong to their newly won CECAFA U15 title.

Omondi who netted a brace for Kenya said they are happy they won all three matches in the group, but now have to focus on the knockout and rallied fans to come out in big numbers and cheer on the team as they battle for the title.” We call upon the fans to continue supporting us as we get into the semi-final next,” offered Omondi.

Uganda to face Rwanda in the other semi

Muchiri hattrick propels Ulinzi to emphatic win as Shabana pick valuable points

Elsewhere, Richard Okello and Kisiriko Derrick netted a goal each in the second half to propel Uganda over South Sudan with a 2-0 win and book a place in the last four against Group A runners-up Rwanda.

The Junior Amavubi of Rwanda silenced Sudan 3-0 in a Group A match played at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Friday.

Didie Ndayishimiye gave Rwanda the lead after 37 minutes with a cool finish past the Sudan goalkeeper Ahmed Alkhdeer with Kenedy Hoziyana converting a penalty in the 56th minute to send Rwanda 2-0, and Jean-Paul Irakoze made it 3-0 in the 84 th minute to cap off the scores for Rwanda.

The Rwanda head coach Baptiste Kayiranga said he was happy his team had picked a win and qualified for the semi-final stage.” We go into the semis with two wins and one defeat. We now need to keep working hard because I know the teams qualifying from Group B are also strong,” said Kayiranga.

The winners will proceed to the final slated for December 13 in Kisumu.

CECAFA U18 Semi-final fixtures

Tuesday, December 5th:

Kenya vs. Tanzania at Mambo Leo Stadium (12 PM)

Uganda vs. Rwanda at Mambo Leo Stadium (3:30 PM)

The final will be played on Wednesday 13th December afternoon in Kisumu.