Kenya’s Junior Starlets secured first place in Group A of the CECAFA U-17 Girls Championship after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against hosts Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, thanks to a dramatic late equaliser from Jael Simiyu.

Both teams had already booked their places in the semi-finals heading into the clash, but the encounter carried weight in deciding who would finish top of the group. Kenya and Tanzania ended level on seven points, with the Junior Starlets edging it on goal difference after earlier emphatic wins over Sudan and Somalia.

The match lived up to expectations, with both sides showing attacking ambition from the start. Tanzania created the first real opening when Yasinta Kaluwa found space in the box, but goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo reacted quickly to collect the danger.

Starlets gradually settled, with Tabitha Wambui posing problems down the left flank. She came close with a curling effort after beating her marker, but the attempt drifted just wide.

Tanzania also looked threatening on the break. Helena Mtundagi nearly gave the hosts the lead following a well-worked move, but she failed to direct her effort on target.

At the other end, Kenya’s attacking hopes were pinned on Brenda Achieng, the tournament’s top scorer. She was handed a big chance from the penalty spot but saw her effort brilliantly saved by Tanzanian goalkeeper Nusra Jafari.

Tanzania capitalised on that reprieve in the 39th minute. A swift counterattack split Kenya’s defence open, allowing Bahati Kizanguzi to calmly finish after being set up by Milembe Juma to give the hosts a 1-0 halftime lead.

After the restart, Kenya pushed forward in search of an equaliser and briefly thought they had found it when Achieng bundled the ball home, only for the assistant referee to flag for offside.

The Junior Starlets continued to apply pressure, with substitutes Elizabeth Alizeba and Lindey Wee Atieno adding fresh energy in attack. However, Jafari remained solid in goal, producing another key save late on to frustrate the visitors.

Just when it looked like Tanzania would hold on for victory, Kenya struck in stoppage time. Jael Simiyu delivered the decisive moment, firing home to earn a crucial equaliser and seal top spot in Group A for the Junior Starlets.

The draw extended Kenya’s unbeaten run in the tournament and underlined their resilience. Having scored 23 goals and conceded just once in the group stage, the Junior Starlets now head into the semi-finals full of confidence in their pursuit of regional glory.