By Brian Magiri
The men’s national U20 football team, Rising Stars, will be seeking to book their spot in the semifinals of the CECAFA Championship U20 tournament when they face Sudan in their final Group A on Tuesday evening at KMC Stadium in Tanzania.
This match will determine which team advances to the CECAFA semifinals to face either Uganda or Burundi.
Tanzania, who are also in Group A, has already secured a spot in the semifinals, amassing 9 points from four matches. Despite losing to Kenya in their opening match, Tanzania bounced back with victories against Djibouti, Sudan and Rwanda.
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Kenya started the competition well with a 2-1 win over host Tanzania but was held to a barren draw by Rwanda in their second match before decisively beating Djibouti 4-0 in the third group match.
Currently, Kenya sits in second place on 7 points while Sudan is third with 6 points.
Ahead of the match, head coach Salim Babu acknowledged the challenge posed by Sudan, noting their tactical strength.
“It’s not going to be easy. Sudan is a strong and tactical team and we must be at our best to win. But I have full confidence in these players and I believe that if we stick to our game plan, we will secure a place in the semifinals,” he said.
Babu made changes in the previous match, starting Aldrine Kibet, who delivered an outstanding assist that helped secure the win against Djibouti.
He will also rely on Kevin Wangaya who has performed well in the last three matches, alongside Baron Ochieng and Lawrence Okoth.
Hassan Beja is expected to lead the forward line with William Gitamu playing on the wing.
The match kicks off at 2 PM EAT and will be broadcast live on AZAM TV and the CECAFA YouTube channel.
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Kenya U20 possible lineup
Starting XI
18. Ibrahim Wanzala, 15. Amos Wanjala (C), 4. Manzur Suleiman, 2. Baron Ochieng, 3. Rodgers Obusu, 6. Lawrence Okoth, 13. William Mwangi, 17. Andreas Odhiambo, 20. Kevin Wangaya, 9. Aldrine Kibet, 11. Hassan Beja.
Substitutes
1. Joshua Keya,
5. Joseph Onyango,
10. Louise Ingavi,
11. Phabian Odhiambo,
12. Tyrone Kariuki,
14. Kelly Madada,
16. Dalphene Ezekiah,
19. Jackson Imbiakha
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