Junior Stars Eye Final AFCON Ticket in Crucial Third-Place Playoff Against Ethiopia

The Junior Stars are gearing up for a decisive showdown against Ethiopia in the third-place playoff of the CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifiers, a match that will determine the final team to represent East Africa at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. They began their Group A campaign with a hard-fought draw against Somalia, before picking up momentum with back-to-back victories over Rwanda and South Sudan. Their only setback came in the final group match against Ethiopia who are now their opponents once again in this high-stakes playoff. Despite missing out on automatic qualification by not reaching the tournament final, Kenya has been handed a second chance. The team remains fully motivated, viewing this playoff as an opportunity for redemption and a pathway to the continental stage. Head coach William Muluya has urged his charges to stay focused, composed, and confident as they prepare for this decisive encounter. The squad is buzzing with belief, determined to make the most of this last opportunity to secure a historic ticket to the U17 AFCON. With everything on the line, the Junior Stars will be fighting not just for qualification, but for pride and the honor of representing Kenya on the grand stage in Morocco. Also read: Harambee Starlets Strengthen WAFCON Focus After Competitive Algeria Friendlies