The Kenya National U-20 team, known as the Rising Stars, bounced back with a commanding 4-0 victory over Djibouti in the CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday afternoon.

Coach Salim Babu made strategic changes to the starting lineup, introducing Aldrine Kibet and Lawrence Okoth while leaving out Kelly Madada and Louis Ingavi. This tactical adjustment aimed to boost their goal difference, and it proved effective as the team secured a comfortable win with goals from Hassan Beja, Lawrence Okoth, and two from Kelvin Wangaya.

The Rising Stars took charge from the start, netting their first goal in the fourth minute when Hassan Beja capitalised on a defensive error following a chance created by William Gitama.

Just six minutes later, in the 10th minute, Kevin Wangaya scored again, executing a clever one-two with Aldrine Kibet, who was brought into the starting XI for this match.

Djibouti struggled to find their footing, and Wangaya extended Kenya’s lead to 3-0 with a penalty in the 25th minute after Beja was fouled in the box. Djibouti managed to create a chance in the 36th minute, but Kenya’s goalkeeper Manzur Okwaro made a crucial save, maintaining a 3-0 advantage as the teams headed into halftime.

Wangaya continued to shine throughout the tournament and assisted the fourth goal after intercepting a pass near the halfway line. He drove forward and delivered a precise pass to Okoth, who scored effortlessly, bringing the score to 4-0.

The Rising Stars continued to dominate the match, with several opportunities to add more goals but unable to convert. Ultimately, they secured all three points, moving to the top of the table with seven points after three matches. Tanzania and Sudan follow closely with six points each, while Rwanda has one point, and Djibouti is yet to earn any points in the tournament.