Junior Stars Coach on Strategy to Stun South Sudan, Keep AFCON U17 Qualifying Hopes Alive

Kenya U17 head coach William Muluya says the Junior Stars must show sharper urgency in attack and improved defensive discipline when they face South Sudan on Monday in a decisive CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifier.

The Junior Stars head into the clash on the back of a spirited 2–1 comeback win over Rwanda — a match in which substitute Nicholas Ochola inspired the turnaround before supplying the cross that Trevor Nasasiro converted for the winning goal.

Muluya, whose side sits second in the group with four points, said the match against South Sudan will largely determine Kenya’s path to qualification.

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“It is a strong side coming from their loss against Ethiopia, but we must win in order to know where we stand against the hosts,” he said. “Qualification will depend a lot on this game.”

With games coming in quick succession, recovery has dominated preparations: “It is more about recovery… Having played yesterday and then again tomorrow, it is all about recovery,” Muluya added.

The coach confirmed that several players are carrying knocks due to the demanding match rhythm and artificial surface but remained confident in his squad depth: “Two or three key players are suffering from knocks… but whoever will get a chance will do their job.”

Muluya stressed the need for early goals to ease pressure as the tournament progresses. “We need to defend well but we must score. If we score in the first half — at least two or three goals — it will allow us to manage our load.”

Match-winner Trevor Nasasiro, who sealed the victory over Rwanda with a composed finish in the 77th minute, echoed his coach’s emphasis on structure and discipline.

He admitted the team put unnecessary pressure on themselves by conceding first: “We must not concede first… that pressure brings confusion and makes us disoriented.”

Both sides will be taking each other on in Addis Ababa  from 4.00 PM