Kenya’s U17 national team, popularly known as the Junior Stars, have learned their group-stage opponents for the 2025 U17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers following the official draw conducted today in Kampala, Uganda.
The Junior Stars headline Group A, which also features Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda — a pool expected to produce closely contested fixtures. Meanwhile, Group B brings together Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Burundi.
According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, where the Group A winner will meet the Group B runner-up, and vice versa. The two finalists will secure CECAFA’s qualification slots for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The regional competition serves as a vital stage for nurturing young football talent across East and Central Africa, offering players a chance to impress scouts and gain valuable international experience.
The qualifiers will be hosted in Ethiopia from November 15 to December 2, 2025. Group A matches will be played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, while Group B fixtures are scheduled for the Dire Dawa Stadium.
Group A: Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Rwanda
Group B: Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, Burundi
