AFCON Qualifiers: Junior Stars want 'powerful statement' as tourney begins

The Junior Stars are aiming at making a powerful opening statement when they face Somalia on Tuesday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, as the AFCON U17 CECAFA Zone Qualifiers get underway.

With only two slots available for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Kenya is determined to set the tone early in what promises to be a fiercely contested Group ‘A’.

Led by Kariobangi Sharks head coach William Muluya, and assisted by Shabana’s Peter Okidi, the Kenyan youngsters have undergone intensive preparation over recent weeks. Muluya believes the task ahead requires more than just technical readiness, emphasizing that the mental strength of the squad will define their campaign.

“We have done everything in terms of preparation,” Muluya said. “Now the focus is on the boys’ mental readiness. Getting something from Somalia won’t just depend on scoring goals but also defending well. Balance will be key.”

Team captain Raphael Omondi echoed his coach’s confidence, noting that the squad understands the importance of hitting the ground running.

“We’ve come here to fight,” Omondi said. “Winning the first game gives us the momentum we need going into the second match. We want to build confidence early.”

Defender Cosmas Asunga, one of the returning players from last year’s squad, expressed the team’s hunger to surpass their previous performance.

“Last year we fell short, but this time we want to achieve more—even if it means qualifying for AFCON and eventually the World Cup. We must aim higher,” Asunga stated.

The Junior Starlets sit in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda. Hosts Ethiopia have already kicked off the group strongly with a 2–0 win over Rwanda, while Somalia and South Sudan settled for a 2–2 draw. The results put pressure on Kenya to claim maximum points and keep their qualification hopes intact.

The Kenyan youngsters will return to action on Friday against Rwanda, before facing South Sudan on November 24. They will wrap up their group fixtures with a potentially decisive clash against host nation Ethiopia on November 27.

With morale high and the stakes even higher, the Junior Starlets enter today’s match eager to begin their journey to continental glory.