Kenya’s national U20 football team, the Rising Stars, has secured a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after a decisive 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semifinals of the CECAFA qualifiers. The match, held at the Azam Sports Complex, saw the Kenyan side dominate in the second half to book their spot in the continental tournament.

Kenya’s win against Burundi was crucial, as it secured their position alongside Tanzania as the two representatives from the East African region for next year’s AFCON, which will feature 12 teams. Earlier, Tanzania eliminated Uganda, who had been the pre-tournament favorites, with a 2-1 win in the first semifinal, also earning their place in the AFCON finals.

The Rising Stars will now face Tanzania in the final, marking their second meeting in this tournament after they played against each other in the group stage.

Assistant coach Anthony Akhulia had previously highlighted the team’s motivation, taking inspiration from the U17 girls’ team, the Rising Starlets, who became the first Kenyan football side to qualify for a World Cup. The Rising Stars lived up to that inspiration, delivering a strong performance to secure their AFCON spot, which has provided a boost for Kenyan football fans.

ALSO READ: Former Harambee Star Osborne Monday Appointed Kariobangi Legends Head Coach

Despite being favorites against Burundi, the first half of the match ended goalless, as Burundi’s defensive play and the efforts of goalkeeper Ramadhan Ndikumana held Kenya at bay. The Rising Stars dominated possession and created several chances, but Ndikumana’s saves kept Burundi in the game.

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Lawrence Okoth tapped in Kenya’s first goal. With the pressure lifted, Kenya quickly built on their lead—Hassan Beja scored the second goal in the 66th minute, using his speed to get past the defenders.

Aldrine Kibet added a third goal just three minutes later, breaking through the Burundian defense and scoring past Ndikumana. Kibet’s performance brought his total to four goals in the tournament, putting him in contention for the ‘Golden Boot.’

Kenya’s fourth goal came in stoppage time (90+3rd minute), with substitute Louis Ingavi scoring his first goal of the tournament, securing the 4-0 win.

Kenya has yet to concede a goal in this competition and will be aiming for another clean sheet in the final, bolstering goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala’s chances for the ‘Golden Glove’ award. The Rising Stars will take on Tanzania on Sunday in a match that will determine the CECAFA champions.