Cecafa Youth: Omala upbeat as Kenya face Uganda

Rising Stars captain Benson Omala (right) warming up before a past match. [Courtesy FKF]

Harambee Stars Under-20 striker Benson Omala is confident Kenya will qualify for next year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenya will play traditional rivals Uganda in the semi-finals of Cecafa Under-20 Championship today and Omala is upbeat they will merge the best and qualify for the continental championship.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Omala, who scored the winning goal at the death in a 2-1 win over Sudan to help Rising Stars qualify to the semis said they are ready for Uganda. “We are expecting nothing short of a win. It’s a must win game for us and we are ready do it as a team. We’re all set and I think the mentality over here will make as win Cecafa and achieve our main target which is to automatically qualify for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2021,” he said.

The inform Gor Mahia striker has spear-headed Rising Stars’ good show in Tanzania after netting in their 3-0 win over Ethiopia on the opening day of the tournament and the 2-1 win over Sudan.

He said he is in a good form and has a keen eye for the golden boot.

“I’m feeling good because as a striker when you score goals it gives you that momentum of scoring more goals. I expect nothing less but to score more as we progress with the tournament,” Omala added.

Kenya’s Rising Stars lead Group C on six points followed by Ethiopia who beat Sudan 3-2 on three points. Kenya have qualified for the semi-final stage while Ethiopia and Sudan have exited the competition.

The other semi-final encounter will see hosts Tanzania face South Sudan for a place in the final. The two finalists will book a place in next year’s U-20 Cup of Nations.