Kenya U17 Seek AFCON Qualification in High-Stakes CECAFA Semi-Final Against Tanzania
Kenya’s U17 national team, the Junior Stars, will step onto the pitch this afternoon with the ambition of securing a coveted place at the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations when they face regional rivals Tanzania in the semi-finals of the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers.
The match, viewed as one of the most decisive fixtures of this year’s tournament, is scheduled for Sunday, 30 November, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, with kickoff set for 12:00 pm local time.
Kenya’s Journey to the Semifinals
The Junior Stars booked their place in the knockout stages after finishing second in Group A with seven points, trailing hosts Ethiopia. Their campaign began with a tightly contested 1–1 draw against Somalia before they rebounded impressively with a 2–1 win over Rwanda. The team further cemented its resilience by defeating South Sudan 2–0. Their only defeat came in a narrow 1–0 loss to Ethiopia, a match that highlighted areas for improvement but did little to diminish their overall progress.
This edition of the qualifiers is especially competitive due to the growing investment in youth development across East Africa. For Kenya, this tournament also serves as a key opportunity to measure the progress made through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elite youth development programs.
Tanzania’s Perfect Run
Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys arrived in the semifinals with a flawless record, having dominated Group B. They secured victories against Djibouti, Sudan, Burundi, and Uganda, showcasing depth, discipline, and tactical organization. Their consistency has seen them emerge as one of the tournament favourites, adding extra weight to this regional derby.
AFCON Qualification at Stake
A win today would see Kenya qualify directly for the 2026 U17 AFCON in Morocco, as the CECAFA region has been allocated three qualification slots. A defeat, however, would force the Junior Stars into a do-or-die third-place playoff against the loser of the Ethiopia–Uganda semifinal.
Given the importance of the match, today’s encounter is more than a semifinal—it is effectively a final in terms of qualification stakes.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Kenya head coach William Muluya has acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge posed by Tanzania but remains confident in the quality and mentality of his squad.
“Tanzania are strong and experienced, physically sharp, and highly committed. But as Kenya, we want to present ourselves with greater cohesion. This is a final before the final—winning it earns AFCON qualification. Our players have shown tremendous heart, and we aim to fight for every moment on the pitch,” Muluya stated.
He added that securing qualification in the semifinal would give the team the confidence to approach the tournament final with composure and focus.
On the other side, Tanzania head coach Elieneza Nikolaus emphasized the importance of the fixture, noting the national significance of facing Kenya.
“Reaching this level is exciting for us. Playing against Kenya always carries special meaning. The team is well prepared, and we look forward to a competitive match. May the best team win,” Nikolaus remarked.
This semifinal arrives at a time when East African youth football is experiencing significant growth. Both nations have increasingly invested in regional competitions, talent scouting, and structured youth leagues. For Kenya, qualification would mark a major step in rebuilding its youth football structures following previous challenges in continuity and funding. Meanwhile, Tanzania continues to benefit from its strong investment in the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) youth centers and academies.
With pride, regional rivalry, and AFCON qualification on the line, today’s clash promises to deliver a spirited and highly tactical contest.
