Kenyans have endured decades of disappointment from their national football teams, both men’s and women’s—Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets.
The longing for joy and entertainment from these teams has often fallen short, most recently highlighted by Harambee Starlets’ absence from the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
However, a breath of fresh air seems to come from the youthful team, the Junior Stars, who are making a name for themselves at the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship in Kisumu under the guidance of coach Salim Babu.
The Junior Stars have provided top-class entertainment and brought smiles to Kenyans, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
With a 100% record, they advanced to the semifinals by winning all three Group A games—5-0 against Sudan in the opener, 1-0 against Rwanda, and 4-1 in the final group match against Somalia.
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in the semifinal against Tanzania at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, Junior Stars battled to a goalless draw in both regulation and extra time.
This led to a penalty shootout, where Kenya’s goalkeeper, Ibrahim Wanzala, saved two penalties, and Sephas Owuor scored the decisive kick, resulting in a 4-3 win for Junior Stars.
The stadium erupted in celebrations, with Kenyan fans storming the pitch to celebrate the team’s success.
The final challenge awaits the Kenyan team on Friday, facing Uganda in the championship match at the same venue after Uganda edged out Rwanda 1-0 in the other semifinal.
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Kenya has secured four consecutive wins at the championship, and Friday’s match is an opportunity to make it five out of five, establishing themselves as the region’s leading team.
As Kenyans anticipate the final, the question remains: Will Kenya emerge victorious, bringing extra joy to the nation? Can Junior Stars succeed where Harambee Stars have fallen short? Will they send the nation into euphoria? The answer awaits on Friday.
The author is a Digital Sports Editor with seven years of experience in print, digital, and broadcast media.
