Kenya’s Junior Stars start their 2026 TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifying campaign on Tuesday when they take on Somalia.
The game will be played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The team is being handled by Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya, assisted by Shabana’s Peter Okidi.
Armstrong Omondi, the assistant captain, said their target is to win the tournament.
“We are ready for Tuesday against Somalia. The mood in the camp is positive. Our target is to play in the final, which will give us a slot in the AFCON,” said Omondi.
He added, “We have prepared well. Every player wants the best for the team, and they want to win. All we want is the support of the fans.”
On his part, Mohammed Yusuf said the tournament is a good platform for them. “Most of us have never been called to the national team. This will help give us exposure. We have prepared well both physically and mentally. The coach has done his job, and it is up to us to deliver.”
“The coach has analysed all our opponents, and we know how to approach the games. We have focused our training on defending and attacking. The discipline in the camp is top-notch,” he added.
Goalkeeper William Ouma echoed the sentiments of his teammates.
“I thank God for the opportunity to be here. It has not been easy. I have struggled a lot. This is a good platform for me to get scouted by clubs. I need to make more saves and keep clean sheets. This will help the team reach the final and qualify for AFCON,” said the youngster.
He added, “I have learned a lot in the training camp, especially on positioning and movement.”
The Junior Stars will be back on the field on Friday when they tussle it out with Rwanda. On November 24, Kenya will be up against South Sudan before wrapping up their group stage games against hosts Ethiopia on November 27.
The Junior Stars will compete in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda as they seek to secure one of two available slots for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hosts Ethiopia started their campaign on a winning note after edging Rwanda 2-0, while Somalia and South Sudan battled to a 2-2 draw. The finalists will earn CECAFA’s two tickets to the 2026 U17 AFCON.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
