School Games students dominate Junior Stars final squad for U17 AFCON qualifiers

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) footballers have taken centre stage in the Junior Stars’ final squad for the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers, set to take place from Saturday, 15 November to Tuesday, 2 December, in Ethiopia.

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Head coach William Muluya has named a 25-man squad featuring a blend of emerging talents, most of whom honed their skills in the KSSSA championships.

The Junior Stars will compete in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda as they seek one of two available slots for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Green Commandos headline the list with Brighton Moses, Julius Ochieng, Derrick Muchiti, and Derrick Khatete making the cut.

Kisumu Day also contributes two key players, Trevor Nassario and Neville Simiyu, which shows the growing influence of school football on the national youth setup.

Kenya will open its campaign against Somalia on Tuesday, 18 November (4:00 p.m.), before facing Rwanda on Friday, 21 November (1:00 p.m.), South Sudan on Monday, 24 November (4:00 p.m.), and hosts Ethiopia on Thursday, 27 November (3:00 p.m.).

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The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the finalists earning CECAFA’s two tickets to the continental showpiece.

The qualifiers present a crucial platform for the young players to gain international experience and showcase their talent to scouts and clubs across Africa.

The team is expected to depart for Ethiopia on Monday.

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Final Squad

Goalkeepers:

Georgian Chris, Golan Oliech, William Owino

Defenders:

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

Midfielders:

Derrick Muchiti, Wayne Wamaya, Derrick Khatete, Rayse Ochieng, Armstrong Omondi, Brighton Nacheri, Denzel Omollo

Forwards:

Nicholas Onyango, Trevor Nassario, 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

Fixtures

Somalia vs Kenya – November 18, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.

Kenya vs Rwanda – November 21, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.

Kenya vs South Sudan – November 24, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.

Ethiopia vs Kenya – November 27, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.