Kenya U17 chase AFCON spot against Tanzania
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 30.11.25. | 09:00
The Junior Stars reached the semi-finals after finishing runners-up in Group A behind hosts Ethiopia with seven points.
Kenya’s U17 boys team will be aiming to secure a place at next year’s U17 AFCON when they face Tanzania this afternoon in a CECAFA U17 Qualifiers semi-final.
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The high-stakes clash is scheduled for Sunday, 30 November, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with kickoff set for 12:00 pm local time.
The Junior Stars reached the semi-finals after finishing runners-up in Group A behind hosts Ethiopia with seven points.
They opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Somalia, bounced back to defeat Rwanda 2-1, and later overcame South Sudan 2-0. Their only setback came in a narrow 1-0 loss to Ethiopia.
Tanzania, meanwhile, enjoyed a perfect group stage, topping Group B after victories over Djibouti, Sudan, Burundi, and Uganda.
A win today will guarantee Kenya a spot at the 2026 AFCON U17 finals in Morocco, as the CECAFA region will produce three qualifiers.
A loss would mean the Junior Stars must fight for qualification in the third-place playoff against the loser of the second semi-final between hosts Ethiopia and Uganda.
Speaking ahead of the game, Kenya coach William Muluya acknowledged the challenge posed by Tanzania but expressed confidence in his squad.
“They are worthy opponents, a bit more experienced, physically fit, willing runners, and very committed on the pitch. But as Kenya, we also want to present ourselves better as a team. It is a final before the final. Whoever wins qualifies for the AFCON.
We have fighting spirit, and our goal is to give everything on the pitch. Winning this match will allow us to approach the final with more calm. They may be the tournament favourites, but we are a team with belief and determination, and we must give our all out there,” Muluya said.
Tanzania coach Elieneza Nikolaus is equally eager for the showdown. “We are excited to reach this stage. Playing against Kenya is special, it is a national matter. Everyone has prepared well, and now we say, let the best team win,” he said.
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