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Junior Stars will be facing Uganda in a winner-takes-all contest at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu. Can they deliver the trophy?
The Kenya national U18 side Junior Stars will be taking part in the final of the ongoing CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship in Kisumu against ‘Migingo’ Derby rivals Uganda on Friday afternoon.
Junior Stars enjoyed a comfortable group stage campaign, brushing aside the likes of Sudan, Somalia, and Rwanda, scoring 10 goals in the process.
However, they found life more difficult on Tuesday against Tanzania, who forced them to a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes, before Ibrahim Wanzala’s penalty heroics booked them a ticket into the final against Uganda.
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The Uganda side have also done well en-route to the final.
They started with a 1-0 defeat to Tanzania, stopped Zanzibar 2-1, and completed the group games with a 2-0 victory against South Sudan.
Stars have won rave views for their performance, playing sleek transitional football as well as some players staking their claims for future senior call-ups.
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Against Tanzania, their flair players did find life difficult. Winger Tyrone Kariuki, as well as star midfielder Aldrine Kibet, struggled to influence the game, while striker Louise Ingavi looked isolated upfront.
Some of the substitutes, including Duncan Ochieng - who is Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala’s little brother - tried to inject pace into the game, but it still was not enough to break the deadlock from open play.
”We are happy that Kenyans have supported us since this tournament started last week and we ask them to come again and support us during the final which will be a tough match, ” said assistant coach Anthony Akhulia.
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The coach made it clear that against Uganda, they must make some tactical changes because they will be facing a strong side.
”We believe the final will be very difficult, but we shall try and win it for the Kenyans, ” added Akhulia.
Kenya will be looking to Aldrine Kibet as a source of inspiration. The talented prodigy who has been scouted by Real Madrid is the top scorer with three goals scored so far and will be hoping that the game against Tanzania was just a bad day in the office individually.
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Kibet is grateful for three things including the Spain-based scouts reportedly from Real Madrid who have been tracking him at the ongoing CECAFA u18 tournament.
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They will also have to count on other players such as Amos Wanjala, whose leadership at the back as well as his composure on the ball has allowed the team to play in a front-footed manner.
Scheduled for 2:00 PM, this showdown will be the highlight of the tournament. However, before the final battle ensues, fans will have the opportunity to witness an exciting play-off match between Tanzania and Rwanda, starting at 11:00 AM.
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