Kenya U17 book semis ticket of AFCON qualifiers after swatting aside South Sudan

The national U17 boys football side, Junior Stars, continued their impressive run in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers by securing a resounding 2-0 victory over South Sudan on Monday, 24 November at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Goals in each half from Derrick Khatete and a last-minute stunner by Trevor Nasasiro ensured a statement win for William Muluya’s charges.

The victory extended Kenya’s unbeaten record in Group A, leaving them tied on seven points with hosts and group leaders Ethiopia, as the two sides have now secured semi-final berths.

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The two nations now face off on Thursday, 27 November, to determine the group winner.

Following a spirited 2-1 comeback win over Rwanda and a 1-1 draw against Somalia in their opening match, the Junior Stars approached the South Sudan clash with full intent to continue their momentum.

The game began with high intensity, as Armstrong Omondi orchestrated the early attacks, linking effectively with Nicholas Onyango, though his goal-bound effort was expertly blocked by Nelson Joviet.

Kenya maintained pressure, with Derrick Muchiti creating opportunities in the seventh minute, but his lobbed attempt narrowly went wide.

Their persistence was rewarded just before the quarter-hour mark when Derrick Khatete opened the scoring with a composed strike past Daniel Simba in goal, giving the Junior Stars a deserved lead.

South Sudan responded by increasing their tempo, seeking an immediate equaliser.

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Samson Kenyi came close from a glancing header following a Panom Chuol delivery, while Justin Charles also tested Kenya’s defense but was denied by a timely block from goalkeeper Eugene Ochieng.

Ten minutes before halftime, Trevor Nasasiro nearly doubled Kenya’s advantage, his chip narrowly missing the target after a fine combination with Onyango.

Despite a late half opportunity for Charles, Kenya went into the break leading 1-0, having successfully contained South Sudan’s offensive threats.

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The second half saw South Sudan come out aggressively, with David Moris’ close-range effort blocked by Cosmos Asunga following a Weka Ramadan lofted pass.

Kenya countered efficiently, Armstrong Omondi setting up Muchiti, whose teasing strike troubled Simba but was parried away.

Twenty minutes from full-time, Khatete again came close to Omondi’s delivery, but his volley sailed just over the bar.

South Sudan continued pressing, with Skandar Charles’ free-kick expertly blocked by Raphael Omondi, who placed his body on the line.

However, Kenya sealed the victory in dramatic fashion in the dying minutes.

Trevor Nasasiro, capitalising on a perfectly timed through pass from Brighton Nacheri, struck a clinical finish past Simba to make it 2-0, ensuring all three points remained with the Junior Stars.

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The win keeps Kenya unbeaten in Group A, with two victories and a draw, reinforcing their credentials as serious contenders in the qualifiers.

With confidence high after sealing the semi-finals spot, William Muluya’s side now look forward to their decisive clash against Ethiopia on Thursday, seeking top spot in the group.