The juniors can do what the seniors can do. That was the message when St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale, who are Kenya’s representatives in this year’s copa coca cola tourney thrashed their Ethiopian counterparts 11-0 in Nakuru on Monday.
The Under -16 Copa-Cocacola Africa Nations football tournament got under way at Nakuru High School grounds on Monday. St. Anthony’s Boys, a football powerhouse in school games underlined their title credentials with their scintillating performance of their Ethiopian counterparts. The win comes almost two months since Harambee Stars thrashed Ethiopia 3-0 to book a slot in next year’s AFCON.
Jacob Onyango started the rout in the fourth minute and eventually hit four with Issa Rashid scoring a hat-trick while Mike Kendigi hit a brace against the hapless Ethiopians.
Harun Kibiwot and Kennedy Mwendwa scored one each to hit the last nail in Ethiopia’s coffin. The resounding win now puts Kenya in a good position to storm to quarter finals when they confront Botswana on Wednesday in the final preliminary matches. The latter plays Ethiopia tomorrow in their first match.
Coach Peter Mayoyo attributed their big to good preparations. “We had two weeks of preparations and this has paid immensely .I am sure will qualify for the quarter finals. My boys are in good shape and much disciplined hence good performance,” he averred.
Moi Girls Nangili defeated their only opponents Zimbabwe 2-0 to claim the first leg advantage ahead of the final leg on Saturday. Sharon Ikae and Cynthia Atieno were on the score sheet for the Kenya’s side who are also the national school games champions.
The inaugural event which has attracted 12 nations from diverse Confederation of African Football (CAF) zones and organized as platform to churn out new talent will end on Saturday.
In other matches Zambia walloped Nigeria 2-1 in Pool B opener.
The week-long event will end on Saturday with finals set to be staged at Afraha Stadium.