U17 AFCONQ: Brilliant second half performance pays dividends as Junior Starlets rally from behind to floor Rwanda
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 21.11.25. | 15:36
Kenya will return to the pitch on Monday, 24 November with a clash against South Sudan
The Kenyan U17 national team, Junior Stars, rallied from behind to secure their first win of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers after edging out Rwanda 2-1 on Friday, 21 November at the Abebe Akila Stadium, Ethiopia.
Kenya headed into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw, from their opening match against Somalia, while Rwanda suffered a 2-0 loss to hosts Ethiopia.
Coach William Muluya made tweaks to his starting 11, including starting captain Yusuf Mohammed in idfield in a bid to have more punch and match the physicality of the Rwandese.
Kenya began the match on the front foot, dominating possession in the early minutes, as demanded by coach Willuam Muluya during his pre-match press conference.
The attacking combination of Kariobangi Sharks’ Nicholas Ochola and MOFA’s Armstrong Omondi caused problems for Rwanda on the left side, but could only manage half chances that were not utilized by the 20th minute.
Rwanda kept growing into the game and got a reward for their efforts in the 37th minute.
After a quick link up play on the left, that left the Kenyan defense exposed, saw as Rwanda take the lead through Olivier Nshimyimana.
In the second half, Kenya came back a much more rejuvenated side and more quick in build up as compared to the first stanza.
However, it was up to the 64th minute that Junior Stars threatened through Omondi, but his effort from the left side went inches wide from the goal post.
Kenya were not to be denied in the 69th minute when Omondi unleashed a shot that was punched to play by the Rwanda goalkeeper and into the path of Ochola whose shot found the back of the net.
Buoyed by the goal, Kenya kept pushing for a winner and did not wait long for it.
Ochola’s free kick in the 77th minute was intercepted by Rwanda, who were about to launch a counter attack, with the former regaining possession.
The Kariobangi Sharks man drove to the line, brought in a cross in the box that was halfway cleared by Rwanda but aLight Academy's Trevor Nasariro was there to direct his shot into the back of the net.
For the rest of the match, Kenya attacked cautiously, as they focused on defending ,while Rwanda pushed forward for an equalizer, but the Junior Stars stood strong to secure their first win.
The win took Kenya to second on Group A with four points, two behind leaders Ethiopia.
Kenya will return to the pitch on Monday, 24 November with a clash against South Sudan.
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