Kenya’s national under-20 football team, the Rising Stars, made history on Friday evening after securing their place in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a commanding 4-0 win over Burundi in the semifinals of the CECAFA U20 qualifiers.
The thrilling encounter took place at the Azam Sports Complex in Tanzania, where the young Kenyan side, under the guidance of Kenya Police head coach Salim Babu, delivered a second-half masterclass to book their spot in next year’s continental tournament.
Needing a win to join Tanzania in representing East Africa at the prestigious 12-team event, the Rising Stars faced a resilient Burundian side that held them to a goalless first half. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second half, with captain Amos Wanjala leading the charge.
Kenya broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Lawrence Okoth calmly slotted a low finish to give his side a 1-0 lead. Burundi struggled to regain composure, and Kenya capitalized on the momentum. Hassan Beja, demonstrating his resilience, doubled the lead in the 66th minute, slotting home his own rebound.
Just two minutes later, Aldrine Kibet, the former St Anthony’s Boys Kitale star, showcased his brilliance, dribbling past three Burundian defenders from his own half before finding the back of the net with a sensational solo effort. Kibet’s goal was his fourth of the tournament, solidifying his reputation as one of Kenya’s brightest young talents.
Kenya’s dominance was capped off when substitute Louise Ingavi tapped in a close-range rebound to make it 4-0, putting the game beyond Burundi’s reach.
With the emphatic victory, the Rising Stars have secured their place in the 2025 AFCON, alongside hosts Tanzania, who earlier stunned defending champions Uganda 2-1 in the other semifinal. The Kenyan boys will now face Tanzania in the finals of the CECAFA U20 qualifiers on Sunday, setting up a thrilling rematch after their opening group stage encounter in the tournament.
Coach Salim Babu will be looking to maintain the momentum as his young charges aim to lift the regional title before shifting their focus to the AFCON finals next year. For now, Kenya celebrates a remarkable achievement as their rising stars shine on the international stage.
