Kenya’s Rising Stars are a step closer to securing their first-ever qualification for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following their dominant display against Sudan in the ongoing CECAFA Under-20 Championships in Tanzania.

Kenya hammered the East African neighbouring country 4-0 to book a slot in the semi-finals of the CECAFA Under-20 Championships where they are lined up to face Burundi.

The Salim Babu’s charges finished top of the group with 10 points off three wins and a draw and will meet Burundi who finished second in Group B.

A win in the semis will earn Kenya a first-ever ticket to the Junior AFCON.

How the match played

Kenya’s highly rated midfielder Aldrine Kibet who plies his trade in Spain produced a man-of-the-match performance by bagging a hat trick against Sudan.

Kibet broke the deadlock three minutes into the game by scoring the first of his three with a header off an Andreas Odhiambo corner sending the sizeable crowd at Azam Sports Complex into frenzy.

Kenya continued building pressure and attacking the Sudanese side. Five minutes before the half-time whistle, Kibet scored a brace with a sweeping curl into the far right corner after a brilliant cross from William Gitama.

The sublime finish ensured Rising Stars finished the first half with bragging rights.

Second half performance

Sudan nearly got themselves back in the game at the start of the second half by a superb diving save from Kenyan goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala denied them the opportunity.

In the 59th minute, coach Salim Babu made some changes to bolster his side. He brought on the frey Louise Ingavi and Dalphene Ezekiah to replace Lawrence Okoth and Mwangi respectively.

The fresh legs helped the young stars regain control of possession leading to the third goal for the Kenyan side which was scored by another inform player Kevin Wangaya.

Wangaya scored his fourth of the tournament with a brilliant first-time shot after a Sudanese defender controlled the ball straight into his path.

63' Gooooaaaaal

Kevin Wangaya scores a 3rd for Kenya and his fourth in the Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Qualifiers.

Kenya 🇰🇪 U-20 3️⃣ – 0️⃣ Sudan 🇸🇩 U-20#CECAFA #U20AFCONCECAFAQUALIFIERS #U20AFCONQUALIFIERS pic.twitter.com/q94p3ghhlI

— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) October 15, 2024

Kibet then completed his hat trick in added time with a sublime low shot from inside the box to hand the Rising Stars a comfortable victory and a clean sheet into the last four.

Kenya will now be looking forward to Burundi’s test which would seal their fate in taking part in the 2025 AFCON competition.