CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup: Kenya Emerging Stars storm semis

The Kenya Emerging Stars have defeated South Sudan 2-0 to book a place in the semi final stage at the on-going regional CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Coach Stanley Khayo Okumbi’s side made sure they kept a 100% winning run after they also picked a 3-0 win against Djibouti in their opening match.

The two teams failed to find the goals in the early half with Kenya’s Henry Atola coming close after 14 minutes, but his effort went wide. South Sudan’s defender Joseph Stephen Datha also had his long shot saved by Kenya’s goalkeeper Brian Bwire Okoth after 36 minutes.

After the interval South Sudan’s Sebit David Omot had his shot blocked after 46 minutes. Paul Reagan Otieno later put Kenya ahead with a well taken low shot after 51 minutes. It was Otieno’s third goal in the tournament after he netted two against Djibouti.

Otieno was later unlucky to limp of injured, but substitute Benson Ochieng Oluoch made it 2-0 with a tap in from close range after 79 minutes. The South Sudan team tried to push forward but failed to take their chances.South Sudan will play their last Pool C match against Djibouti on July 24th.

“I am happy we get a revenge over South Sudan who beat us in a play-off game in the U-20 tournament last year. It was also good the boys played tight and did not concede any goal,” said Kenya’s coach Okumbi after the game.

South Sudan’s coach Simon James Yor said they played against a good team and must now go back to the drawing board to prepare for the game against Djibouti

Pool C table standing

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kenya 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 6
S. Sudan 1 0 0 1 0 0 -2 0
Djibouti 1 0 0 1 0 0 -3 0