Kenya’s national U18 football team, Junior Stars is looking for inspiration from Aldrine Kibet as they compete in the final of the ongoing CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship in Kisumu against arch-rivals Uganda on Friday afternoon.
Having dominated the group stage with convincing victories over Sudan, Somalia, and Rwanda, scoring a total of 10 goals, Junior Stars faced a tougher challenge against Tanzania on Tuesday. The match ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes, but Ibrahim Wanzala’s penalty heroics secured their spot in the final against Uganda.
Uganda’s journey to the final has also been commendable. Despite an initial 1-0 loss to Tanzania, they rebounded with a 2-1 victory over Zanzibar and sealed their place with a 2-0 win against South Sudan in the group stage.
Junior Stars have garnered praise for their impressive performance, showcasing sleek transitional football, and some players are making a case for future senior call-ups. However, in the match against Tanzania, key players like winger Tyrone Kariuki and star midfielder Aldrine Kibet struggled to make an impact, while striker Louise Ingavi faced isolation upfront.
Ahead of the final clash with Uganda, assistant coach Anthony Akhulia acknowledged the tough challenge and emphasized the need for tactical adjustments. Despite the expected difficulty, the team aims to secure victory for their supporters.
Aldrine Kibet, scouted by Real Madrid, has emerged as a crucial player for Kenya, leading the team’s scoring charts with three goals. The team will also rely on the leadership of Amos Wanjala, who has demonstrated composure at the back, allowing the squad to play in an assertive manner.
The highly anticipated final is scheduled for 2:00 PM, promising to be the tournament’s highlight. Before the championship showdown, fans can enjoy an exciting play-off match between Tanzania and Rwanda, commencing at 11:00 AM.
