Junior Stars Name Starting XI To Face Somalia

Junior Stars  head coach William Muluya has unveiled a formidable starting eleven to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers campaign against Somalia on Tuesday. 

The Stars find themselves in a challenging Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda. Hosts Ethiopia have already set a strong precedent with a convincing 2-0 victory over Rwanda, while Somalia and South Sudan shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

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Muluya's selection reflects a blend of talent from various schools and academies across the nation, aiming to create a cohesive and dynamic unit capable of dominating the midfield and penetrating the opponent's defense.

In goal, William Owino from Kibabii High School will be the last line of defense, bringing his shot-stopping abilities and command of the area.

The defensive wall protecting Owino features a strong quartet. Raphael Omondi of Ongata School and Julius Buong from the football powerhouse Kakamega High School will look to shut down aerial threats.

They are joined by Nevil Wafula of Kisumu Day and Cosmas Masitsa from Ongata School, who will complete the backline. This unit is tasked with maintaining discipline and initiating play from the back..

Captain Armstrong Omondi of Mofa FC will wear the armband and anchor the midfield. As the leader of the pack, his distribution and ability to control the tempo will be vital.

He is supported in the midfield engine room by Brighton Nacheri of Green Commandos and Georgian Omondi from Kakamega High School. Derrick Wanyonyi of Ongata Senior School rounds out the midfield, providing the link between defense and attack.

Leading the hunt for goals will be the forward duo of Nicholas Ochola from Kariobangi Sharks FC and Nathan Achola of Premier Academy. Their pace and clinical finishing are Kenya’s best bet for breaking down the Somali defense and securing the three points.

The Kenyan youngsters have a packed schedule ahead. After their opening encounter, they will face Rwanda on Friday, followed by a match against South Sudan on November 24. Their group stage journey will culminate in a potentially decisive showdown against host nation Ethiopia on November 27.

The team's performance in these matches will determine their fate in the qualifiers, and Muluya's chosen XI for the Somalia clash is a clear statement of intent and you can watch the match though this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/w6cZO7e63bI

William Owino (Kibabii High School), Raphael Omondi (Ongata School), Julius Buong (Kakamega High School), Nevil Wafula (Kisumu Day), Nicholas Ochola (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Armstrong Omondi (Mofa FC), Nathan Achola (Premier Academy), Brighton Nacheri (Green Commandos), Georgian Omondi (Kakamega High School), Derrick Wanyonyi (Ongata Senior), Cosmas Masitsa (Ongata School)

Substitutes: Amani Lusisa (Canada), Rayse Ochieng (Ongata School), Derrick Obote (Green Commandos), William Ondawa (St. Joseph's Boys), Trevor Nasasiro (Light Academy), Moses Ochola (Kisumu Day), Yusuf Mohamed (Sweden), Trevor Kyalo (Light Academy), Elvis Kimondo (Nairobi FC)