Junior Stars eye Rwanda scalp in hunt for first win in U17 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers

The Junior Stars will face Rwanda today, Friday 21 November in their second group A match of the ongoing CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in a highly anticipated match that will take place at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia from 1300 hrs.

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Kenya head into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw against Somalia in their opening match played on Tuesday, 18 November, where the Junior Stars failed to protect a first half lead and allowed Somalia to equalize.

Rwanda, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 defeat in the hands of hosts Ethiopia on Saturday 15 November.

The two teams will therefore be keen to be at their best to secure their maiden win in the qualifiers.

For Kenya, there needs to be an improvement, especially in defense, which looked shaky against Somalia as admitted by coach William Muluya.

“It was a point gained and again two lost. They (Somalia) were hungrier than us. We need to improve on our defending. We were leading but the question is how are we supposed to defend our lead and earn three points, especially with it being a tournament,” said Muluya.

The Kariobangi Sharks tactician, who is well known for possession-based football, also believes it is an area his team must work on, considering their inferior physical attributes to their opponents.

“We must play with a purpose. We have to improve on keeping the ball. Looking at our size, we are physically strong as many teams in the tournament. We have to beat them by keeping the ball and being agile,” he added.

In conclusion, Muluya said that his team must work extra hard if they are to emerge with a win.

“They are a strong side, none of our players match their physical ability, but we can be mighty in urgency and have to give 150% to win the majority of duels and cover on our physicality.”

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As it stands, Ethiopia are at the summit of Group A with six points, four more than second placed Somalia, with Kenya sitting at third with a single point.

Sudan are fourth with a single point, with Rwanda sitting at the bottom of Group A with none.