Kenya beat Burundi in their last group matches of the men’s Africa Junior Handball Championship at the Safaricom Indoor Arena at Kasarani.
The hosts, who lost their first two matches to Gabon and Egypt, recovered to beat Burundi 26-19.
They will face Democratic Republic of Congo for the ranking match.
Kenya’s coach Jack Sandan termed the match tough for the boys because of DRC’s prowess in the sport.
“Congo is a good team but the way the boys are playing, I can see a good performance. They are improving each time and also building confidence. It has not been a good championship for us but as starters, it has been great.
The coach, who doubles up as Nairobi Water Queens tactician, said the championship has opened the minds of the players and will change their perspectives on how to approach matches.
“It is important to retain this team for the future. We came into the championship with inexperienced players unlike our opponents and we spent a lot time dwelling on basics and not tactics.
“This championship is at higher level but the boys have a bright future if they continue with training because they are willing to learn.
“This is an eye opener for our team as we are preparing for All-Africa Games qualifiers next year in March. We want to start preparations as early as possible to make sure the men’s team record good results just like the women’s team.
“The last time we competed at the All African Games, our men’s team finished in the tenth position, winning only one match while the women’s team reached the quarters,” he said.
Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Angola have qualified for the semi-finals while Gabon will have to play against Libya in the fifth and sixth positions in the championship.
By REBECCA GICHANA, The Standard