Burundi became the first team to advance to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Qualifier after a commanding 2-0 win over Kenya on Thursday, with captain Amini Nshimirimana scoring both goals to bring his tournament tally to four.

The double strike — his second brace in as many games — saw Nshimirimana open the scoring after just 10 minutes with a composed finish past Kenya goalkeeper Wayne Orata, before heading home a second in the 68th minute to seal the points. Kenya's Edwin Jumba and substitute Theodore Gitari pushed for a response late on, but Burundi's defensive unit, led by Cadeau Ndayishimiye and Radjabu Nzeyimana, held firm throughout.

Burundi's perfect start — six points, six goals scored, and none conceded across two matches — guarantees them top spot in Group C and a place in the last four. Nshimirimana had previously netted twice in their 4-0 opening victory over South Sudan.

Sudan make their mark in Group B

Sudan also caught the eye on Thursday, beating Djibouti 3-0 at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam to announce themselves as genuine contenders in Group B. Wail Galal Omer was the standout performer, scoring twice to help his side take charge of the group.

Omer struck first in the 8th minute as Sudan wasted no time imposing their style, before Ibrahim Samani doubled the lead nine minutes into the second half. Omer completed the rout in the 84th minute to give Sudan a +3 goal difference.

Sudan are now level on three points with Uganda, who beat Djibouti 4-1 in the opening round. Uganda hold a slight edge having scored four goals to Sudan's three. The two sides meet on Saturday in what promises to be a decisive Group B encounter. Djibouti, pointless after two games, are eliminated.

Rwanda and Ethiopia cancel each other out

In Group A, Rwanda and Ethiopia played out a goalless draw — the tournament's first — in the opening game of the day's programme. It was Ethiopia's debut appearance in the competition, while Rwanda claimed their first point after a 3-0 opening defeat to Tanzania.

Tanzania remain top of Group A with three points. Ethiopia and Rwanda each have one point, though Rwanda have now completed their group fixtures. Tanzania face Ethiopia on Saturday in a match that will determine the Group A winner.

What's at stake on Saturday

The group stage concludes on Saturday with three fixtures: Kenya versus South Sudan in Group C, Sudan against Uganda in Group B, and Ethiopia against Tanzania in Group A. The three group winners and the best runner-up advance to the semi-finals on 22 September. The two finalists will earn CECAFA's allocation of places at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.