The competition’s format will see the teams first compete in a round-robin group stage from which the top teams in each group and the best-placed second place team will proceed to the semifinals.
Uganda's Hakim Mutebi broke Kenyan hearts in the first half of extra time, securing the championship with a well-placed shot past the goalkeeper.
Coach Salim Babu has urged fans to show their support, highlighting the crucial role they play in the team's success. "Kenyans were amazing on Tuesday. Come again today, and we celebrate victory together. We want to go on the attack from kick-off against Uganda and finish the job early," he added.
Coach Babu faces the task of strategising against a formidable Ugandan team boasting young stars from top league teams, including Simon Mukisa, Batiibwe Charise Okello, Mutebi Hakim, and Abasi Kyeyune of Sports Club Villa.
In the other semi-final, Young Uganda Cranes beat Rwanda 1-0 courtesy of a 56th-minute strike from Abubaker Mayanja.
Tanzania coach Habib Kondo Kikwayu admits that his team may be considered underdogs, given Junior Stars' unbeaten run and goal-scoring prowess. He, however, expressed confidence in his team's ability to make things difficult for the Kenyans.
In another match, Rwanda secured a 3-1 victory over Sudan, thanks to goals from Ndayishimiye Didier, captain Hoziyana Kenedy, and Irakoze Jean-Paul.
In Group B, where all teams are tied on three points, it's a do-or-die situation for Uganda Junior Cranes, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Uganda, having lost 1-0 to Tanzania but winning 2-1 against Zanzibar, will face Zanzibar, while South Sudan, who lost 1-0 to Zanzibar, will challenge Tanzania.
In another Group A encounter, Somalia surprised Sudan with a 3-0 victory. Idiris Bilal opened the scoring in the 26th minute, while Mohad Abdulkadir and Mohamed Daud secured the win with goals in the 66th minute and injury time, respectively.
17-year-old goalkeeper Dahid Abdikadir from Bula Pesa, Mandera, is part of the Junior Stars squad (not registered), after bagging the chance to fly to Kisumu County alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on November 23, 2023.
With three points and an impressive goal tally of five, Kenya currently tops the standings. Following closely is Rwanda, also with three points but a slightly inferior goal difference.
The form two student from St. Anthonys Boys High School, Kitale, is the product of a thorough scouting network dispatched by the Ministry, which comprised former International players including Allan Wanga, Musa Otieno, Winna Shilavula and Denis Onyango.