Friday December 1, 2023
Nairobi (HOL) -In the lush, green backdrop of Kakamega, where football dreams are as vibrant as the landscapes, a pivotal moment looms in the CECAFA U-18 Boys Championships. Armed with confidence and youthful zeal, Somalia's Ocean Stars are gearing up for a clash against an offensive-minded Kenyan squad on Friday afternoon at Bukhungu Stadium, a match shaping up to be a defining moment in East African football.
Under the astute guidance of Omar Ahmed Mohamed, the Ocean Stars are basking in the glory of a commanding 3-0 win against Sudan. Mohamed, aware of the challenges ahead, remains hopeful: "We know Kenya is playing good football, but we are prepared to defeat them in our last group match." For Somalia, the equation is simple yet daunting: secure a victory against Kenya and hope for Rwanda to slip against Sudan to dream of the semifinals.
The emergence of talents like Idris Bilaal and Mahad Shiine symbolizes not just Somalia's footballing potential but also the region's football renaissance.
In Kenya's camp, there's a blend of cautious strategy and raw talent. The Junior Stars are currently the group's titan with six points. Anthony Akhulia, the assistant coach with an eye for detail, emphasizes the 'one game at a time' philosophy. It's a prudent approach for a team perched on the precipice of glory, yet wary of complacency.
Then, there's Aldrine Kibet – a name that resonates with promise in western Kenya. Kibet's journey from the local pitches of St. Anthony's Boys Kitale to the prestigious realms of Nastic Sports Academy in Barcelona and back to the Kenyan side is a tale of determination.
Over in Group B, the air is thick with suspense as Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zanzibar find themselves locked in a four-way struggle, each vying for a coveted semifinal berth.