Kenya U17 National Team Coach William Muluya has emphasized the need for his side to secure all three points when they face Rwanda this Friday in the CECAFA U-17 AFCON Qualifiers.
In an interview with FKF media, the Kariobangi Sharks Head Coach noted that victory will be essential to keep tabs with the hosts, Ethiopia, who currently lead the Group A table with six points from their opening two matches.
“It’s a tournament, we have played one game, three more to go. It’s very tough for us with Ethiopia already on six points. We have to try and be safe on our side by winning the next match.”
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Muluya also assessed the deficiencies that caused the Junior Stars to throw away their one goal lead and draw their first match 1-1against Somalia.
The coach acknowledged that the team faces a physical build disadvantage and will, therefore, maximize their technical ability to succeed.
“We have to improve on keeping possession, which is a key thing. Looking at our size, we are not as physically strong as many of those teams; they are emerging to be too strong for us. The only way we can succeed is by maintaining possession and being agile enough with or without the ball.”
Despite Rwanda’s 2-0 loss to Ethiopia in their campaign opener, Muluya regards them as a formidable opponent and no pushover.
“They are a very strong side. They lost to Ethiopia, but none of our players matches their physical ability but we can match our urgency. We can be the mighty in urgency, we have to work extra hard and put in a lot of effort, especially in dealing with the balls in the air as well as the duels.”
Kenya will play Rwanda at the Abebe Bekila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
A win in this key fixture will give the Junior Stars a strong chance to move into second position on the table, significantly boosting their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes.
