Kenya give Ethiopia rude welcome in Copa opener, win 11-1

Lucas Maina (left) of Kenya battles for possession with Tsegaye Dawit of Ethiopia during the Copa Coca-cola tournament in Nakuru. [Kipsang Joseph]

Hosts Kenya had no regards for their guests Ethiopia thrashing them 11-1 in their opening match of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 Africa Cup of Nations yesterday at Nakuru High School. 

Jacob Onyango was on fire netting four goals as the Kenyan boys launched their quest for the continental title in pure style. Kenya showed class taking an impressive 3-0 lead at half-time. 

Kenya coach Peter Mayoyo said his team was too good for the Ethiopians and deserved to win. 

"Our opponents did not challenge us from the onset, which off course favoured us because we had trained well in preparation for these games," said Mayoyo.

During the match, Kenya were in a class of their own and at some point it appeared as if it was a training session for the homeboys who had no difficulty in outwitting their opponents in both halves that 35 minutes each.

The Kenyan boys dominated from the onset making several attacks as the Ethiopians struggled to settle.

Four minutes is all the homeboys needed to take the lead when Fred Kendigi fired past Ethiopia goalkeeper Abel Nyang'.

Issa Rashid followed with two quick goals in the 11th and 17th minutes for a 3-0 half-time lead.

Kenyans were glad to terrorise the shaky Ethiopian defence of Edmend Tekiu, Habtamu Ejigu, Juhtal Tesloach and Bol Jul.

Daniel Odhiambo made it 4-0 for Kenya seconds into the second half with Kendigi adding the fifth in the 38th minute.

Rashid was at it again in the 42nd minute making it 6-0 for the Kenyans as the home crowds delighted with every move the players made. 

Onyango was on a scoring spree hitting the target in the 50th, 51st and 52nd minutes.

He crowned his brilliant performance with a fourth goal in the dying minutes of the game. 

Kenya will rest today before taking on Botswana in their last Group A match tomorrow. 

In the girls' contest, Kenya beat Zimbabwe 2-0. Sharon Ekai and Vanessa Naghekhe scored for Kenya in the 21st and 51st minutes.

In Group B, Zambia came from a goal down to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in an tightly contested clash.

Nigerians drew the first blood in the 38th minute through Mohammed Hussani who beat the Zambian custodian David Miganja with a powerful volley.

The Zambians equalised minutes later from the spot after they were awarded a penalty following a foul. 

Isaac Phiri scored the winner for Zambia.