Rising Stars head coach Gilbert Selebwa has urged Kenyans not to panic after Kenya’s U20 side opened their CECAFA U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Burundi at Uhuru Stadium in Tanzania on Thursday night.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAmini Nshimirimana scored both goals as Burundi followed up their 4-0 win over South Sudan with another convincing display to move to the top of Group C on six points from two matches.The competition features three groups of three teams, with the three group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals.##NAJAVA_MECA_9961668##Speaking to Mozzart Sport in Tanzania after the match, the veteran coach admitted Burundi had an advantage in terms of match sharpness, having already played and won their opening fixture before facing Kenya.The MOFA tactician, who has previously coached Mombasa United and AFC Leopards, said the defeat had exposed areas that needed attention but insisted there was still plenty of time for his young squad to respond.“There is no cause for alarm. This was our first competitive match, while Burundi were playing their second and had already gained momentum,” Selebwa told Mozzart Sport.“Most of their players were already into the rhythm of the competition. For us, this was the first competitive game after assembling the team, so naturally there were areas where we struggled. But we have seen those weaknesses, and we now know what we need to work on.”Burundi, who had earlier swept aside South Sudan 4-0, became the first team to secure a place in the semi-finals after making it two wins from two matches.Burundi stun Kenya in U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiersThe coach believes the experience gained from Thursday’s defeat will be important as Kenya prepares for a decisive final Group C encounter against South Sudan on Saturday.“Our next game is very important because we cannot afford to lose against South Sudan,” he said.“They lost 4-0 to Burundi, while we lost 2-0, but that does not mean our game against them will be the same. It will be a different ball game altogether.”The former Shabana coach said his immediate task would be to address the weaknesses exposed against Burundi while ensuring the players are mentally and physically ready for the final group match.Homeboyz chairman reveals millions spent during delayed Premier League kick-off“We are going to work on the areas where we fell short, organize ourselves better, and prepare the players even more. We have to respond in the next game.”Kenya will face South Sudan on Saturday, 19 September while Sudan takes on Uganda and Ethiopia meets hosts Tanzania in the other fixtures.Burundi will face the Group A winners in the semi-finals on 22 September, with the Group B winners taking on the best runner-up from the three groups.The two finalists will earn qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.##NAJAVA_MECA_9964524##