Kenya’s U17 AFCON hopes go up in smoke after playoff loss to Ethiopia
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 02.12.25. | 14:10
Junior Stars will have another opportunity to try and qualify in December 2026
Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 U17 AFCON came to an end, following a 3-0 defeat to Ethiopia in the third-place playoff of the CECAFA qualifiers, held at the Abebe Bikila Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
With finalists Uganda and Tanzania already having secured their spots at the tournament, the winner of this playoff was guaranteed the final qualification slot.
A brilliant second-half display by the hosts ultimately handed them the victory.
The first half was largely cagey, with few clear-cut opportunities at either end.
Most chances came from set-pieces, but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested.
Ethiopia held a slight edge in possession and likely went into halftime wishing they had converted their dominance, as the half ended goalless.
Ethiopia began the second half brightly, winning a free-kick in the opening minute, though it produced no clear chance.
Two minutes later, Kenya goalkeeper Georgian Omondi was called into action to deny Binyam Teare, who unleashed a fierce shot from inside the box.
Kenya quickly settled and began pressing forward, forcing the hosts into a series of defensive actions. The Junior Stars’ quick ball movement briefly pushed Ethiopia back into their defensive third.
Sensing pressure, Ethiopia made two defensive substitutions around the hour mark to stabilize their backline in the decisive clash.
Their patience paid off in the 66th minute when midfielder Dawit Kasaw latched onto a deep pass from Ethiopia’s defense, controlled it with a deft touch, and lobbed Omondi to open the scoring.
Kenya protested for offside, but the decision stood. Moments later, Omondi produced a superb save to deny Ethiopia a second goal.
From that point, Ethiopia dominated proceedings, taking full control of the game.
Kenya struggled to respond mentally after conceding and appeared vulnerable every time the hosts attacked.
Late substitutions failed to turn the tide, and in the 79th minute, Teare sealed the win with a brilliant left-footed strike after cutting in from the right flank, putting the game beyond Kenya’s reach.
Biruk Tegegn then sealed teh win in stoppage time.
Kenya will have another opportunity to try and qualify in December 2026.
Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania will face off in the final of the qualfiiers later this afternoon.
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