AFCON dreams on the line as Junior Stars square off with Ethiopia
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 02.12.25. | 07:26
Today’s clash is a rematch of the final Group A encounter, where Ethiopia edged Kenya 1–0 in a tightly contested duel.
The Kenya U17 national team have a date with destiny this afternoon when they take on Ethiopia in the third-place playoff of the AFCON U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, with kick-off set for noon.
This match represents the Junior Stars’ final chance to secure a ticket to next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations after their semifinal exit.
Kenya were beaten 3–1 by Tanzania in the first semifinal, a win that booked the Serengeti Boys’ place at the 2025 AFCON. In the other semifinal, Uganda sealed qualification after dispatching hosts Ethiopia 3–0.
Today’s clash is a rematch of the final Group A encounter, where Ethiopia edged Kenya 1–0 in a tightly contested duel.
The Junior Stars now have the perfect opportunity to avenge that loss and, more importantly, clinch the last remaining AFCON slot.
Kenya’s journey in the tournament began with a 1–1 draw against Somalia, before victories over Rwanda (2–1) and South Sudan (2–0).
Their only group-stage defeat came in the 1–0 loss to Ethiopia, but they still advanced to the semifinals as runners-up.
After Sunday’s semifinal loss to Tanzania, head coach William Muluya offered a detailed reflection on the team’s shortcomings, stressing the urgency of fixing their errors ahead of the must-win playoff.
He acknowledged that the team let opportunities slip and paid dearly for defensive lapses.
“We have to correct the mistakes. It is the final 90 minutes we have,” the CAF ‘A’ License holder said, underlining the significance of the moment. “Having lost the chance we had, we have to give everything for third place.”
Muluya went on to break down the critical moments that defined their semifinal defeat.
“We had an opportunity to score first before they did, but we squandered a penalty. Immediately after, we failed to defend a set piece, and they scored. For me, it is failing to take an opportunity and failing to defend well,” he explained.
“We then went to attack a corner that resulted from a missed chance, and again my defenders lost the ball, leaving us caught once more.”
He also highlighted concerns about depth in attack, noting that once key forwards Nicholas Achola, Trevor Nasarasiro, and Derrick Obote tired and had to be substituted, the team lacked the same offensive edge, an area he hopes will improve against Ethiopia.
Assistant coach Peter Okidi also weighed in, offering a broader tactical perspective.
He described the upcoming match as one that will demand heightened discipline, unity, and execution, explaining that the technical bench and players have engaged in extensive discussions to ensure a sharper performance.
“Coming into this game, it will be a game of tactics,” Okidi noted. “We have consulted at the technical bench, the players, and it is the last game of the tournament. It has a ticket in it, and we have to go all out and try to win the game.”
The playoff precedes the tournament final, which is scheduled for 4 PM at the same venue.
