Kenya U-17 out of Cosafa Championships after humiliating defeat

The Kenya Under 17 national side were eliminated from the Cosafa Under 17 Championships after they were suffered a 5-0 loss to Malawi side in their final Group B clash at St. Francois Xavier Stadium in Port Louis, Mauritius on Tuesday.

Peter Banda’s hat-trick and a goal from Frank Chizuze and Francisco Madinga were enough to relegate the Kenyan team to their second defeat of the competition after being handed a 4-0 beating by Zambia in their first group match.

Andre Spiers made just one change replacing Clinton Machaka with Jeremy Mwendwa from the squad that fought back to secure a 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

Kenya, the guest nation at the tournament, endured a second half onslaught shipping in four goals in the space of 37 minutes as the Junior Flames secured a semi-final spot finishing second in Group B.

Derklerk Msakakuona’s charges came into this game needing only a draw to qualify to the next round of the competition.

The first effort of note fell to the Flames on the 10^th with the Kenyan custodian coming to the side’s rescue foiling a clear chance on goal.

Frank Chizuze broke the deadlock in the 19^th minute heading home a cross from Madinga.

Banda put his name on the score sheet seven minutes after the restart going past two defenders and finally beating the keeper to double the score.

Eric Muriithi thought he had pulled one back for his team two minutes later but the linesman flagged it as an offside.

Banda got his brace on the hour mark finishing off a beautiful move to make it 3-0.

Madinga put the game out of reach for the Junior Stars slotting the ball past George Ouma for Malawi’s fourth.

The German tactician tried to save face for his side sending in Isaac Omoke for Thomas Muya with 20 minutes left.

Banda got his hat trick in the dying minutes of the game completing the rout.

Kenya finished third in Group B on three points one place above bottom side Madagascar who lost all their pool matches.