Junior Stars to face Ethiopia in AFCON U17 Qualifiers decider

Kenya’s U17 team - Junior Stars - will face Ethiopia for a place at next year’s CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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This comes after both sides lost in their respective AFCON U17 CECAFA Qualifiers semifinals on Sunday, 30 November, setting up a pivotal third-place clash on Tuesday, 2 December, where the winner will qualify for the continental showpiece.

Kenya’s AFCON hopes delayed after U17 semifinal loss to Tanzania

Kenya, looking to get over the hurdle the first time at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, fell 3-1 to high-flying Tanzania, who in turn became the first team from the CECAFA Zone to qualify for the championships.

Kenya, after a bright start, saw Nicholas Ochola miss from the spot inside 12 minutes, before Elienza Nicolaus Nsanganzelu’s side made their opponents pay by scoring twice in the first half through Nhingo Luzelenga and Luqman Ally Mbabasalu.

Armstrong Omondi pulled a goal back for Kenya in the 84th minute, but his well-taken effort was not enough to force a comeback as Soann Shabani scored Tanzania’s third goal, to leave William Muluya’s side dependent on a playoff victory.

That opportunity will come in the shape of another meeting with Ethiopia, who were brushed aside 3-0 by Uganda.

Kenya and Ethiopia recently matched up in the tournament group stages on Wednesday, 26 November, when the former won 1-0.

The tie, which was a Group A decider, saw Ethiopia come out tops courtesy of a Dawit Kasaw goal in the 65th minute.

A revenge on Tuesday will do Kenya the trick, shortly followed by a Uganda - Tanzania final to wrap up the regional tournament.

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