Kenya’s Junior Stars started their campaign in the 2023 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa) U18 championships with an impressive 5-0 victory over Sudan at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday.
US-based forward Louise Ingavi played a pivotal role, scoring twice in the first half to propel Kenya to a commanding win.
Ingavi found the net in the seventh minute with a close-range header, setting the tone for the match.
Tyron ‘Junior’ Kariuki doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, skillfully maneuvering past his marker before slotting a low shot past Sudan’s goalkeeper Ahmed Alkhdeer.
Spain-based Aldrine Kibet extended Kenya’s lead to 3-0 just three minutes later, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
Ingavi, representing Montverde Academy in the United States, completed his brace just before halftime, securing a comfortable 4-0 advantage for Kenya.
In the second half, Elly Owande put the finishing touch on the victory with a late goal two minutes before the full-time whistle, sealing a dominant performance for Kenya in Group A.
The win propelled Kenya to the top of the standings in Group A, with three points and a goal difference of five.
Rwanda, also with three points, trails behind with an inferior goal difference, having secured a 1-0 victory over Somalia in an earlier closely contested match at the same venue.
