U17 AFCONQ: Kenya to renew rivalry with Tanzania in semis after bowing to Ethiopia
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 26.11.25. | 18:32
The top three teams in the tournament will secure tickets to the AFCON finals
Junior Stars suffered their first loss in the ongoing U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers, falling 1-0 to hosts Ethiopia in a match played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium on Wednesday, 26 November.
The two sides met in a final Group A match that was meant to determine the winner of the group, having both booked places in the semi finals prior to the match.
Going into the match, Ethiopia were leading the group with seven points, a tally similar to that of Kenya, but the former had a superior goal difference.
Both teams were aggressive from onset, given so as to avoid taking on a strong side in the semis.
Nicholas Ochola was particularly impressive in the Kenyan midfield, combining well with Julius Buong, who was providing an extra attacking option on the left.
Just like Kenya, Ethiopia also opted to keep possession and played quick short passes in their half, before switching the ball with a long pass.
Despite each team having clear cut chances, there was nothing to separate them, heading to the half time breather.
Ethiopia had a strong start, after restart, with Dawit Kasaw causing Kenya all manner of problems in the flanks.
Stars, on the other hand, appeared to be losing possession easily and struggled in supplying ammunition to Trevor Nasariro.
Ethiopia’s persistent push paid off in the 64th minute when fired past Kasaw past Georgian Omondi after good exchange of passes in the box.
Kenya reacted to the goal by pushing harder for an equalizer and possible winner, but the Seyfedin Umer-marshalled defense stood tall to protect their lead until the final whistle.
Kenya will face Tanzania in the semi finals, as Ethiopia squares it out with Uganda.
The top three teams from the tournament will qualify to the continental tourney.
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