Burundi became the first team to book a place in the semifinals of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers after defeating Kenya on Thursday.
A 2-0 win over Kenya meant Burundi made it two victories in as many games, thus topping Group C.
Amini Nshimirimana scored a brace to continue his impressive performance at the tournament, where he is the leading scorer with four goals.
It should be noted that in the 4-0 win over South Sudan, the striker also scored twice.
On the same day, Rwanda and Ethiopia played out a goalless draw in Group A while Sudan defeated Djibouti 3-0 in Group C.
Kenya will now shift focus to their final group game against South Sudan with hopes that they can finish as the second-best-placed team across the three groups.
It should be noted that this year’s tournament has nine teams, clustered into three groups of three teams each.
Table leaders in each of the groups automatically qualify to the semifinals, while the best second-placed team across the three groups gets the fourth semifinal spot.
The two finalists eventually earn the two tickets to represent the region at the final tournament.
Group stage action will wrap up on Saturday, with hosts Tanzania taking on Ethiopia in Group A; Kenya will battle South Sudan, while Sudan will face Uganda.
