Kenya's Junior Stars need just one win to qualify for the 2026 AFCON under-17 tournament. They face Tanzania today in the semi-final at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The winners will qualify directly for the event in Morocco.
The semi-final match between Kenya's Junior Stars and Tanzania takes place today starting at 2 PM at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Earlier at the same venue, Ethiopia will face Uganda at 11 AM. The winners of these two semi-finals, along with the third-place team, will qualify for the 2026 AFCON in Morocco, though the tournament dates have not yet been announced.
Kenya reached this stage after finishing second in Group A with seven points, three behind Ethiopia. They drew 1-1 with Somalia, won 2-1 against Rwanda and 2-0 against South Sudan, but lost 1-0 to Ethiopia. Tanzania, meanwhile, topped Group B unbeaten with 12 points. They defeated Uganda 2-1, Sudan 6-0, Burundi 5-0, and Djibouti 11-0.
Tanzania has shown great efficiency, scoring 24 goals while conceding just one, compared to Kenya's five scored and two conceded. Kenya coach William Muluya said, “The winner qualifies directly for AFCON. We understand we are facing a tough opponent who is highly motivated to win, but the 90 minutes will decide.” He added that flu infections have affected many players, with doctors providing support, and several players with minor injuries, including key ones, are advised to start from the bench.
Tanzania coach Elieneza Nikolaus stated, “We are happy to reach this stage, which we have been waiting for. We are facing our brothers, Kenya, and it is a national matter as everyone prepares. May the best team win.”