Kenya sent a strong warning to rivals after an emphatic 5-0 win in their opening Cecafa U18 boys Championship match against Sudan at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.
Loise Ingavi grabbed a brace for Kenya with Spain-based Adrine Kibet and Tyron Junior added a goal apiece as Kenya went into the break with a comfortable 4-0 lead. In the second half, Elly Owande wrapped up the scores for Kenya in stoppage time.
Kenya’s assistant coach Antony Akhulia said: “We have not accomplished anything yet. We still have two games against Rwanda and Somalia. Our focus at the moment is to win the two games and qualify for the semi-finals.”
Akhulia added: “The boys did a good job after the convincing win but I feel there is a lot to be done. We have identified areas to work on before we play Rwanda on Tuesday.”
Akhulia maintained that the team is targeting to lift the trophy. “Playing at home has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, despite the pressure, the boys are up to the task,” he said in his post-match interview.
His Sudan Mutasim Khalid counterpart said: “First of all, I want to congratulate Kenya for the win. They were the better team with good and physical players. We had a lot of challenges coming into the tournament but that is now behind us.”
“I have another about 72 hours to prepare for the next game so expect a better display. After we changed our strategy in the second game, Kenya did not dominate us. We want to bounce back in the next game,” said the tactician.
The game was attended by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, Sports PS Peter Tum, and FKF President Nick Mwendwa among other dignitaries.
Thousands of fans thronged Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium to cheer the home team.
Kenya will play Rwanda in the next game on Monday while Sudan will tackle Somalia.
