‘Play with courage’ – CS Murkomen tells Kenya U17 ahead of AFCON qualifier against Tanzania

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has told Kenya U17 players to fight with courage when they take on Tanzania in the CECAFA zonal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Kenya will be in action for a Group A game, and the CS has told the starlets to play with the spirit that espouses Kenyan courage.

“Our best wishes to the Kenya U17 team as they take to the field today. Play with courage and showcase the true Kenyan spirit, knowing the entire nation is behind you!

“All the best, champions,” Murkomen said in a statement on X.

Kenya will take on Tanzania at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala as they start their qualification journey. Their rivals have already played as they collected a point from a 1-1 draw against Uganda.

Kenya found themselves in Group A after CECAFA was forced to conduct the draw again following the withdrawal of Burundi and Ethiopia.

A win against Tanzania will enhance Kenya’s chances of topping their pool. Head coach Salim Babu said that the match will not be easy, but he is confident that his charges know the importance of the match.

“We know facing Tanzania will not be an easy task because they already played and drew 1-1 with Uganda. My players understand the significance of this match, and we will go all out to secure a win,” the former Police FC head coach said as quoted by a local publication.

Two teams that will top each group will progress to the semi-finals, and the finalists will earn qualification to the AFCON finals in 2025.

Kenyan squad:

Ferouz Oyondi, Golan Oliech Odiwuor, Theodore Mwangi Gitari, Nevil Peter Simiyu, Wilson Nyangweso, Raphael Omondi, Cosmas Asunga Masitsa, Fidel Castro Sobukwe, Wiiliam Marcos Ondawa, Ramadhan Mwakoi, Devin Charles, Enock Mwagandi Nyanje, Harman Ochieng Okoth, Yuri Martin Herbert Agina, Kyle lan Okoth, Lukonde Mwale, Edison Bwire Okwero, Fidel Odhiambo, Armstrong Omondi, Jerome Hera Wachara.