Kenya tops CECAFA U-17 Group A after rallying from behind to hold Tanzania
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 17.06.26. | 18:37
The result saw Kenya and Tanzania finish level on seven points, with the Junior Starlets claiming first place courtesy of a superior goal difference
Kenya's Junior Starlets staged a late comeback to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against hosts Tanzania in their final Group A match of the ongoing CECAFA U-17 Girls 2026 Championship in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
With both sides having already secured qualification to the semi-finals, the encounter served as a battle for top spot in the group standings.
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The result saw Kenya and Tanzania finish level on seven points, with the Junior Starlets claiming first place courtesy of a superior goal difference.
The match burst into life from the opening whistle as both teams sought to assert early dominance.
Tanzania threatened first inside six minutes when Yasinta Kaluwa brilliantly worked her way into the penalty area, only for her effort to be comfortably gathered by Kenyan goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo.
Kenya responded through the lively Tabitha Wambui, who continued her impressive tournament form on the left flank.
The winger beat her marker before unleashing a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.
The hosts continued to push forward and came close shortly after the hour mark.
A well-worked move involving Harrier Juma and Milembe John released Helena Mtundagi through on goal, but her effort drifted agonisingly wide.
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At the other end, tournament top scorer Brenda Achieng remained Kenya's biggest attacking threat.
The striker capitalised on a defensive lapse but saw her effort roll narrowly wide before goalkeeper Nusra Jafari produced a series of fine saves to deny both Achieng and Beryl Okumu.
Kenya were handed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when Achieng was brought down inside the penalty area.
However, Jafari emerged the hero, diving well to save the resulting spot-kick.
The breakthrough eventually arrived six minutes before halftime.
Tanzania launched a swift counterattack, with Milembe Juma delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Bahati Kizanguzi, who controlled expertly before calmly slotting past Okoyo to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead at the interval.
Kenya returned from the break with renewed purpose and thought they had levelled five minutes into the second half when Achieng tapped home from close range after Tabitha Wambui had beaten the goalkeeper, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Substitute Elizabeth Alizeba injected fresh energy into Kenya's attack, while Lindey Wee Atieno came close to scoring late on but was denied by the alert Jafari.
Just when Tanzania appeared destined for victory, Kenya found their reward deep into stoppage time.
Jael Simiyu struck the equaliser to rescue a point for the Junior Starlets and ensure they finished atop Group A heading into the semi-finals.