Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Kenya’s young hopefuls opened their AFCON U17 qualification campaign with a tense 1–1 draw against a determined Somalia side, a result that left both teams reflecting on missed chances and hard-earned lessons.
The match began with Kenya settling quickly, moving the ball with confidence and showing early signs of promise. Their patience paid off just after the half-hour mark when Georgian Omondi broke the deadlock, finishing off a flowing move that briefly lifted the tension among Kenyan supporters in the stands. For a moment, it felt as though the Junior Stars had found the rhythm they needed to take control of the group.
But Somalia, refusing to be overwhelmed, returned after the break with a renewed sense of purpose. Their pressing grew sharper, their structure more compact, and their captain Anas Mohammed emerged as the force that eventually dragged them level. His second-half strike shifted the tone of the contest, giving Somalia a deserved share of the points and reminding Kenya that qualification at this stage rarely comes easy.
The final minutes played out with urgency on both ends—Kenya pushing to reclaim their lead and Somalia eager to protect what they had fought back to earn. By the final whistle, neither side had managed to break the stalemate, though each had moments that could have tipped the balance.
For Kenya, the draw marks a cautious start, one that highlights both their potential and the work still ahead. Somalia, meanwhile, walk away proud of their resilience, having shown the composure and leadership needed to stay alive in a tough group.
As the qualification journey continues, both teams will know this opening fixture was more than just a scoreline—it was a test of character, one that set the tone for the battles still to come.