Kenya’s Rising Stars are gearing up for a crucial semifinal match against Burundi in the CECAFA U20 qualifiers on Friday evening at the Azam Complex Stadium in Tanzania. The game, which kicks off at 1900 EAT, will be vital for both teams as they compete for a place in next year’s Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having topped Pool A with 10 points and remaining unbeaten in the group stage, Kenya is seen as the favorite against a Burundi side that finished second in Pool B. The semifinal will precede another matchup between hosts Tanzania and Uganda, set to begin at 1500 EAT.

The winners of these semifinals will secure their spots in the 2025 U20 AFCON, with the tournament’s venue yet to be announced.

Kenya is riding high after back-to-back 4-0 victories against Djibouti and Sudan. This tournament presents an opportunity for Kenya to make their first appearance in the revamped U20 AFCON, having only participated once in the former African Youth Championship back in 1979. Impressively, Kenya has recorded the second-best scoring record and a solid defense, conceding only one goal during their group matches.

Burundi, on the other hand, has recorded two wins in the group stage but faced a tough 4-1 defeat to Uganda. Ahead of this pivotal match, Kenya’s head coach Salim Babu expressed confidence in his players. “We have been together with these players even at the U18 level, and they are hungry to qualify,” he shared with CECAFA-Online.

Burundi’s coach, Gustave Niyonkuru, who also managed their women’s team at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, acknowledged the strength of the Kenyan team but emphasized that his players are eager to fight for their national pride.

As Kenya looks to their leading scorers, Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, to lead the attack, Burundi will rely on the talents of Christophe Ndayikengurukiye and Ramazani Hakizimana to seek an upset in this crucial semifinal clash.