Junior Stars' CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifying Fate to Be Decided as They Learn Bronze Medal Playoff Opponents

Kenya's Junior Stars will be taking on Ethiopia in the bronze medal playoff to determine who will be taking part in the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following their defeat to Tanzania in the semi finals.

Kenya will be taking on Ethiopia, who are the hosts, after they were beaten 3-0 in the other semi final to Uganda Cubs.

Uganda and Tanzania have now secured the first two sports for the upcoming tournament set to be held in Morocco, with Kenya and Ethiopia now set to battle for the final spot.

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The match began as a tightly contested affair, with both teams defending resolutely and creating few clear-cut chances in a tense first half. Ethiopia briefly thought they had taken the lead shortly after the break, but their celebration was cut short by an offside flag.

The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Lorian Lwesibawa's corner kick was deflected into the net by Ethiopian goalkeeper Temesgen Kebede Tadesse, giving Uganda a 1-0 lead.

Just two minutes later, a defensive error by Ethiopia's Efison Kidane Kindo allowed Uganda's captain, Owen Mukisa, to capitalize and double the advantage with a confident finish.

Despite Ethiopia's attempts to regroup, the Ugandan side maintained control, dominating the midfield and defense. The victory was sealed in the 78th minute when goalkeeper Tadesse fumbled another Lwesibawa set-piece, this time a free-kick, which found its way into the net to make it 3-0.

Uganda's coach, Kingston Laryea, praised his team's performance against a formidable opponent. "The boys worked hard, and now we turn our focus to the final against Tanzania on Tuesday," Laryea commented as quoted on CECAFA.

Before the final, Kenya and Ethiopia will face off in a play-off match to determine the third and final team from the region to qualify for the U-17 AFCON.