Junior Stars target first win at U17 Afcon Cecafa qualifiers in Ethiopia

Junior Stars coach William Muluya during a training session in Nairobi/HANDOUT

After settling to a 1-1 draw against Somalia in their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cecafa qualifiers in Ethiopia, Kenya will look for an improved performance when they face Rwanda on Friday at 1 pm.

In Monday’s opener, Mohamed Yusuf gave Kenya the lead with a neat finish after 31 minutes, but Somalia skipper Anas Mohamed levelled matters after 56 minutes. 

The Junior Stars head coach, William Muluya, rued a lapse in concentration that led to Somalia’s equaliser.

“Despite the draw, the boys did their best to contain Somalia. It was a good atmosphere,” said Muluya.

He admitted that Kenya is in a tough pool, which also features South Sudan and hosts Ethiopia.

“After the Somalia game, our focus was to work on amending what did not work out before we face Rwanda,” noted the Kariobangi Sharks coach. 

Muluya, who is deputised by Shabana’s Peter Okidi, added: “It is upon me to improve and guide the players because they are not experienced. I will try to get the best out of them.”

He added that as much as the players will give a fight in the upcoming games, he will let them express themselves on the pitch.

“They will work hard in the remaining games,” noted the tactician. 

Ethiopia leads the group with six points after two matches, while Somalia is second with two and Kenya third with one. South Sudan are fourth while Rwanda are bottom of the log without a point after one game. 

The Junior Stars will tussle it out with South Sudan on Monday before concluding their group stage games against hosts Ethiopia on Thursday.