• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 10 days ago

Somalia defeat ends Kenya U17’s CECAFA campaign

Kenya’s Junior Stars have crashed out of the CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Somalia in Kigali, Rwanda, leaving head coach William Muluya’s side without a win in the tournament.

The defeat at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday marked Kenya’s second consecutive loss, following their opening-match defeat to defending champions Tanzania. The result ended their hopes of progressing to the next stage and securing a place at the continental finals.

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, the Junior Stars struggled to convert their attacking efforts into goals, with Somalia proving more clinical in front of goal.

Kenya started with attacking intent, as Yussuf Mohamed tested the opposition early with a long-range effort following a pass from Daniel Ombati.

Nicholas Ocholla and Alvin Midimo also threatened the Somali defence, but their efforts failed to produce the breakthrough. Ombati came close with a volley that sailed narrowly over the crossbar as Kenya continued to search for an opening goal.

However, Somalia gradually grew into the contest and took the lead five minutes before half-time.

Captain Anas Isse Mohamed collected the ball outside the penalty area, evaded his markers and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net to put Somalia ahead.

Kenya defender Brighton Moses prevented a second goal shortly afterwards, clearing Aasif Mohamed Ali’s effort off the line to keep the Junior Stars within reach before the break.

Muluya’s charges resumed the second half determined to find an equaliser, but their finishing continued to let them down.

Ombati missed an opportunity in the opening stages of the half, while Byron Otieno fired wide after capitalising on a loose ball near the edge of the penalty area.

Somalia remained dangerous on the counterattack, forcing Kenya to balance their search for an equaliser with the need to protect their goal.

The decisive blow came in the 84th minute when Ahmed Caaqil Mohamed struck a superb volley from a set-piece situation to double Somalia’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.

The loss leaves Kenya without a point from their opening two matches and unable to advance in the qualifiers.

The early exit also represents a setback for the Junior Stars, who reached the semi-finals in the previous edition of the competition.

For Kenya, the campaign has exposed the need to improve their attacking efficiency and defensive concentration, particularly in crucial moments against regional opponents.

Somalia, meanwhile, secured an important victory that strengthened their ambitions in the regional qualification race.