In an electrifying display of football, Kenya’s Junior Stars secured a vital 2-0 victory against South Sudan in their U17 AFCON qualifying match, strengthening their chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
The triumph was marked by an impressive performance, with the young Kenyan squad showcasing their talent and teamwork throughout the match.
The scoring opened in the 11th minute, initiated by a well-executed free kick from Cosmas Masita. The long ball found Trevor Nasasiro, who delivered a pinpoint pass across the box to David Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi kept his composure to slot the ball into the net, giving Kenya an early 1-0 lead. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the match, as the Junior Stars maintained control over the game.
Throughout the first half, Kenya dominated possession, dictating the rhythm of play. Nicholas Acholla came close to extending the lead with a powerful free-kick that forced a notable save from the South Sudan goalkeeper in the 24th minute.
The Kenyan side continued to press strategically, with Raphael Omondi and Armstrong Omondi both testing the opposing keeper with ambitious shots, but South Sudan’s defense held firm as they went into halftime trailing by just one goal.
As the second half commenced, South Sudan came out with renewed vigor and nearly equalized in the 54th minute. A rapid counterattack led to David Darako finding himself in a promising position, yet he squandered the opportunity, dragging his shot wide. This close call served as a wake-up call for the Junior Stars, who responded with increased intensity.
Kenya’s efforts were rewarded in the dying minutes of the match. After a series of substitutions injected fresh energy into the squad, Brighton Nacheri, who had been lively down the left flank, set up Trevor Nasasiro for a second goal in the 88th minute. With deft precision, Nasasiro slotted the ball home, sealing the victory and confirming Kenya’s place at the top of their qualifying group alongside Ethiopia.
As the players celebrated their well-deserved victory, the focus now shifts to their final group match on November 27, where Kenya will seek to secure a semifinal berth in the U17 AFCON tournament. With their skillful play and determination on full display, Kenya’s Junior Stars remain a formidable contender in the qualifiers.
