Kenya Face Tricky Somalia Test as AFCON U17 Quest Begins

Junior Stars will commence their quest for continental glory today as they take on Somalia in their opening Group A match of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers. 

The clash between the two neighbours  is set for 4 pm at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia. 

Kenya enters the game with a clear objective to secure three points and set a positive tone for the rest of their campaign. The youngsters, led by head coach William Muluya, understand the importance of a strong start in a tournament format where every result counts. 

A victory today would be a significant step towards their goal of finishing among the top three teams, which guarantees a spot at the AFCON U-17 next year.

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Inside the Kenyan camp assistant captain Armstrong Omondi has emphasized the team's readiness and positive mindset. The players have prepared well and are united by the common goal of not just winning this match, but emerging as the overall winners of the Zonal qualifiers. 

William Muluya has stressed the necessity of starting their campaign on a high note.

 “In such a tournament a team needs to [start] with a good result and that is our target when we face Somalia,” Muluya told Cecafaonline.

“The mood in the camp is positive. We have prepared well and every player wants the best for the team,” added Omondi. "We are ready for the Somalia match and our target is to win the qualifiers.”

Kenya's opponents, Somalia, will not be an easy hurdle as they enter this match having already secured a point in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against South Sudan in their opening game. While grabbing a late draw showed resilience, their head coach, Daadir Amin Ali, is focused on improving their performance. Ali, who also manages Mogadishu City FC in the Somalia Premier League, is aware of the challenges Kenya poses but remains determined.

Ali made it clear that his team has learned from their first outing and is looking for a better display against the Junior Stars.

 “We have tried to correct some mistakes that happened in the first match and we are determined to play better in the match against Kenya," stated Ali.

The match takes place within the context of a competitive Group A. Earlier in the day, hosts Ethiopia, who started strongly with a 2-0 win over Rwanda, will take on South Sudan. 

Kenya's result against Somalia will be crucial in determining their standing before they face Rwanda on November 21st, South Sudan on November 24th, and a tough final group match against the hosts Ethiopia on November 27th.