Kenya in as CECAFA confirms 10 teams for U17 AFCON qualifiers

Kenya is among the ten teams that have confirmed participation in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 CECAFA qualifiers, set for Ethiopia in November.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The Junior Stars will be making their second consecutive appearance at the qualifiers, hoping for a better outing after a disastrous campaign last December in Uganda.

Kenya lost both matches, falling 1-0 to Tanzania before suffering a 5-0 defeat to hosts Uganda.

That campaign was marred by numerous challenges. Preparations were disrupted by the election campaign period, leaving the team with inadequate training time.

To make matters worse, just days before the tournament, several players failed the mandatory MRI age test and were ruled ineligible to compete.

CECAFA Competitions Manager Yusuf Mossi confirmed that ten member associations registered teams before the August deadline.

Ghanaian striker opens up on his wonder goal against Sofapaka and lofty Gor Mahia targets

“We closed registration late last month, and I can confirm that ten teams will take part in the qualifiers to be hosted in Ethiopia,” he told CECAFA media.

The qualifiers are scheduled for 15-30 November, though Mossi noted that the dates could be adjusted. “We might adjust the dates and make the announcement soon,” he added.

Matano singles out player for blame in KCB's defeat to Mathare United

Last year, six teams took part in the 2025 CAF U-17 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers, where Uganda emerged as champions.

They advanced to the AFCON U-17 finals and went on to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be staged in Qatar in November 2025.

Last year, current Nairobi City Stars coach Salim Babu, who also doubles up as the Kenya U20 team coach, was in charge of the side.

It remains unclear whether he will continue in the role or if the new FKF administration will make changes.

Teams that have confirmed participation:

Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya

CAFCL: Away goal rule to rescue as Police FC sneak into second round despite shock defeat to Somali side