Kenya’s Junior Stars face South Sudan on Monday in the ongoing Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Cecafa qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
A win against South Sudan will significantly boost the Stars’ chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Hosts Ethiopia have already secured a spot in the semifinals from Group A, while Tanzania lead Group B. Ethiopia top Group A with seven points, followed by Kenya with four points. Somalia are third with three points. Kenya’s opening match ended in a 1-1 draw against Somalia.
Tanzania lead Group B with nine points, followed by Uganda on six, and Burundi with three.
On Friday, the Junior Stars came from behind to beat Rwanda 2-1 at Abebe Bikila Stadium. Second-half substitutes Nicholas Ochola and Trevor Nasario scored for Kenya, while Olivier Nshimiyimana netted for Rwanda.
Coach William Muluya acknowledged that the South Sudan game will be tough but remains focused on securing a win.
“It’s an open group. The only team that has qualified is Ethiopia. All teams are giving their best. We want to win our two games against South Sudan and Ethiopia. They are not easy matches, and we must give our all,” said Muluya, the Kariobangi Sharks coach.
Muluya praised his players for their character in the comeback win against Rwanda, particularly goalkeeper Georgian Chris, who played a crucial role in securing the victory.
The Junior Stars, captained by Raphael Omondi, will conclude their group stage matches with a tough fixture against hosts, Ethiopia, on Thursday. The tournament is being held at Abebe Bikila and Dire Dawa stadiums.
The top three teams in the tournament—champions, runners-up, and third-place—will represent Cecafa at the Afcon U-17 2026, which will be held in Morocco in April.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
