Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed has expressed confidence in the men’s national football U17 side, Junior Stars, as they face Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations U17 qualifiers semi-final on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in Addis Ababa.

The two sides will lock horns at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia, starting at 12:00 pm local time, with the 2026 AFCON U-17 ticket in sight. Junior Stars reached the semi-final stage after finishing second in Group A behind hosts Ethiopia.

The Kenyan boys, coached by William Muluya, had a fair run in the qualifiers after recording two wins, a draw, and a defeat in their four outings.

Junior Stars drew 1-1 with Somalia in their opening fixture of the AFCON U17 qualifiers, came from behind to beat Rwanda 2-1, and edged South Sudan 2-0. The Kenyan side then lost 1-0 to hosts Ethiopia, qualifying for the semis with seven points.

Mohammed confident

Following the good show in Ethiopia, Hussein Mohammed has predicted that the team can beat Tanzania and qualify for the 2026 AFCON U-17 in Morocco, as the finalists from the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations region (CECAFA) will book automatic tickets to the tournament.

”All the best to our Junior Stars as you take on Tanzania. Your character and resilience in the group stage have been exceptional, and I’m confident you can finish the job and secure #AFCONU17 qualification. The entire Federation and the nation stand firmly behind you. Give it your all,” the FKF boss said via his social media pages on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Junior Stars’ squad features a mix of promising talents drawn from school teams, many of whom impressed during the recent regional scouting and training camps.

Final squad

Goalkeepers: Georgian Chris, Golan Oliech, William Owino

Defenders: Cosmas Asunga, Eugene Ochieng, Nevil Simiyu, Stephen Ochieng, Edwin Annan, Raphael Omondi, Brighton Moses, Julius Ochieng, Trevor Maluki

Midfielders: Derrick Mchiti, Wayne Wamaya, Derrick Khatete, Rayse Ochieng, Armstrong Omondi, Brighton Nacheri, Denzel Omollo

Forwards: Nicholas Onyango, Trevor Nasasiro, Nathan Achola, Collins Ochieng, Jeconia Agutu, Marcos William

Technical bench

William Muluya – Head Coach

Peter Okidi – Assistant Coach

Kenedy Mbunga – Assistant Coach

Abdul Iddi Salim – Goalkeeper Coach

Eric Muranda – Strength and conditioning

Stephen Mwangi – Kit Manager

Andrew Ijela – Safeguarding officer

Edwin Gumbo – Team Doctor

Shaban Masika -Team Manager