The Kenya U17 men’s team has learned of their new opponents for the Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Qualifiers following the withdrawals of Ethiopia and Burundi from the competition set to take place from 15-27 December 2024 in Uganda.
Initially placed in Group B alongside defending champions Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, Kenya has now been reassigned to a more challenging group. They will compete in Group A alongside neighboring rivals Uganda and Tanzania.
Under the lead of head coach Salim Babu and assistant coach Antony Akhulia, the Kenyan U-17 team will kick off their campaign to secure a spot in the semifinals against Tanzania on December 18, 2024, at the Nakivubo Hamza Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
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Their second match will be against the host Uganda on December 21, 2024, at the same venue.
Coach Salim Babu is expected to announce his final squad soon, selecting players from the 76-man provisional squad named earlier in November.
Defending champions Somalia, now in Group B alongside Sudan and South Sudan, will open the tournament against South Sudan on Sunday, December 15, in the afternoon.
Later that day, Uganda will begin their campaign against their 2020 finalist partner Tanzania.
All matches will take place at the Nakivubo Hamza Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Only the top two teams from the tournament will secure a spot in the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Group A:
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Tanzania
Group B:
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
Kenya U17 Group Fixtures
- 18/12/2024: Tanzania vs. Kenya (Nakivubo Hamza Stadium, 1:00 PM)
- 21/12/2024: Uganda vs. Kenya (Nakivubo Hamza Stadium, 4:00 PM)
Semi-Finals:
- 24/12/2024: Semi-Final 1 – Group B Winner vs. Group A Runner-Up (Nakivubo Hamza Stadium, 1:00 PM)
- 24/12/2024: Semi-Final 2 – Group A Winner vs. Group B Runner-Up (Nakivubo Hamza Stadium, 4:30 PM)
Third Place Match:
- 27/12/2024: Semi-Final 1 Loser vs. Semi-Final 2 Loser (Nakivubo Hamza Stadium, 12:30 PM)
Final:
- 27/12/2024: Semi-Final 1 Winner vs. Semi-Final 2 Winner (Nakivubo Hamza Stadium, 3:30 PM)
