Kenya’s Rising Stars will on Tuesday seek to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing Cecafa U18 Boys Championships when they take on Rwanda at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu City.
Kenya started their Pool ‘A’ campaign on Saturday with a resounding 5-0 win over Sudan while Rwanda, playing with 10 men for the better part of the game, edged Somalia 1-0.
Against Sudan, Louice Ingavi — who plays for Montverde Academy in the US — grabbed a brace while Spain-based Adrine Kibet, Tryron Kariuki, and Migori Youth’s Elly Owande were on target for Rising Stars.
Coach Anthony Akhulia said: “We are going for a win against Rwanda and qualify for the last four. We want an early slot in the semis. As the host nation, we are under pressure to win all our matches.”
Rwanda coach Kayiranga Baptiste says he expects a tough match but hopes his charges will prevail and qualify for the semis.
“We created several chances against Somalia despite playing with 10 men. Unfortunately, we did not convert them. I hope my boys will be clinical in front of goal against Kenya,” said Baptiste.
Sudan coach Omar Ahmed is looking for an improvement against Somalia.
“My boys were fatigued due to the long journey... from Sudan through Ethiopia to Nairobi then Kisumu. I’m confident they will do well against Somalia,” he said.
The Rising Stars will conclude their group-stage matches on Friday against Somalia at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
In Pool ‘B’ Tanzania will face Zanzibar.
On Thursday, Rwanda will battle Sudan in the last Pool ‘A’ game while Uganda will collide with neighbours South Sudan.
