Junior Stars Fall 3-0 to Ethiopia, Miss Out on 2026 U17 AFCON Ticket
Kenya’s U17 national team fell short in their final hurdle, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa and missing out on a place at the 2026 U17 AFCON in Morocco.
Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations came to a painful end on Tuesday afternoon after the Junior Stars were beaten 3-0 by Ethiopia in a decisive CECAFA playoff at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
With Tanzania and Uganda having sealed two of the region’s slots by reaching the final, this playoff was a straight shootout for the last remaining CECAFA ticket. The stakes were enormous, and both sides approached the match with caution in a cagey first half.
Kenya, under coach William Muluya, named a solid lineup, with Georgian Omondi starting in goal behind a defence led by Raphael Omondi, Julius Buong, and the ever-reliable Cosmas Masitsa.
In midfield, Nicholas Ochola and Derrick Obote tried to dictate play, while Yusuf Mohamed, Trevor Nasasiro, and the lively Nevil Wafula carried Kenya’s attacking hopes.
Despite flashes of promise, especially down the wings, the Junior Stars lacked the cutting edge needed to break down Ethiopia’s disciplined backline. At the other end, the hosts threatened through Amir Misbah Muzemil and Cherinet Ufaysa Galda, but Kenya held firm to keep the match level at 0-0 heading into the break.
The Collapse After Half-Time
Ethiopia came out of the tunnel a transformed side. Backed by their home crowd and pushing forward with intensity, the hosts began to dominate possession and pin Kenya deep into their half. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute.
A moment of brilliance from Dawit Kasaw Yirdaw changed everything. Finding space outside the box, he lifted a perfectly measured effort over the advancing Omondi, the ball dipping wickedly into the net. It was a stunning finish that stunned Kenya.
Chasing the game, the Junior Stars committed more bodies forward in search of an equalizer—but that approach only left them exposed.
In the 78th minute, a costly defensive lapse gifted Ethiopia captain Binyam Abrha Teare a clear opening. He pounced on the mistake and calmly slotted home to double the lead, sinking Kenyan hopes further.
Salt in the Wound
Deep into stoppage time, with Kenya throwing caution to the wind, Ethiopia delivered the final blow. A miscommunication at the back left the defence wide open, allowing Biruk Eyilachew to meet a loose ball inside the box and head it into the bottom corner in the 92nd minute.
The goal sealed a commanding 3-0 victory and sent the home fans into wild celebrations, while Kenya’s young stars stood devastated—fully aware that their AFCON dream had slipped away.
Despite a promising campaign filled with glimpses of real potential, the Junior Stars will now turn their focus to rebuilding and preparing for future international assignments.
