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Kenya U18’s Head Coach, Salim Babu, has expressed the team’s ambition to clinch the CECAFA U18 Championship title following a stellar start to the campaign.

The team secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Sudan at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu.

Kenya U18 scorers

The scoring spectacle began with Louise Ingavi’s early brace, opening the scoring in the 7th minute after a precise through pass from Tyron Kariuki.

Kariuki then turned goal-scorer, finding the net in the 29th minute. Aldrine Kibet extended the lead in the 33rd minute, and Ingavi added his second just before halftime, allowing Team Kenya to enter the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Elly Owade sealed the victory with the fifth goal in the 88th minute.

Babu, formerly of Nzoia Sugar, expressed his satisfaction with the opening win, emphasizing the motivational impact on the team.

“It is good to win the opening match because it motivates the team, but our target remains to try and win the Cup,” he said after the match.

With three points from the victory, the Junior Stars claimed the top spot in Pool A. Rwanda also secured three points with a narrow 1-0 win against Somalia, placing them second in the pool. Both Somalia and Sudan find themselves without points.

Kenya U18 opponents in CECAFA

Looking ahead, Group B action will feature Zanzibar versus South Sudan, followed by Tanzania taking on Uganda in the second match.

The CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship, featuring eight teams, is scheduled to conclude with the final on December 8, 2023.

Pool A matches will continue at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, while Pool B matches are slated for Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

The winners of each group will proceed to the semi-finals on December 5, with the final set to be played in Kisumu.