Kenya’s Junior Stars miss out on U17 AFCON after 3-0 defeat to Ethiopia
The loss in the CECAFA Zonal qualification playoff ended the team’s hopes of claiming the region’s last available slot for the tournament.
Kenya’s Junior Stars will not be part of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Ethiopia on Tuesday in Addis Ababa.
The loss in the CECAFA Zonal qualification playoff ended the team’s hopes of claiming the region’s last available slot for the tournament.
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The decisive match, played at Abebe Bikila Stadium, carried enormous pressure. With Tanzania and Uganda already securing qualification, Kenya needed a win to reach the continental stage.
Kenya fell 3-1 to Tanzania in the first semifinal, allowing the Serengeti Boys to secure their spot at the 2025 AFCON. In the second semifinal, Uganda confirmed their qualification with a 3-0 win over hosts Ethiopia, setting up a repeat of their tightly contested Group A match, which Ethiopia had won 1-0 against Kenya.
Kenya’s campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Somalia, followed by victories over Rwanda (2-1) and South Sudan (2-0). Their only group-stage defeat came against Ethiopia, but they still advanced to the semifinals as runners-up.
Both teams started carefully in the playoff, prioritising defence over attack. Kenya lined up with goalkeeper Georgian Omondi and defenders Raphael Omondi and Julius Buong, while Nicholas Ochola and Derrick Obote worked to control the midfield.
Up front, Yusuf Mohamed, Trevor Nasasiro and Nevil Wafula looked to create chances, but opportunities were limited, and the first half ended 0-0.
However, the game changed after the break as Ethiopia took command in the 66th minute. Dawit Kasaw Yirdaw broke the deadlock with a delicate lob over the Kenyan goalkeeper, forcing Kenya to chase the game.
Attempts to equalise left the Junior Stars vulnerable, and a defensive lapse in the 78th minute allowed Ethiopian captain Binyam Abrha Teare to double the advantage. In added time, Biruk Eyilachew completed the scoring with a precise header, capitalising on another defensive error to make it 3-0.
The result left Kenyan players visibly dejected, ending a campaign that had shown glimpses of promise.
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