Kenya was pipped 1-0 by Somalia in her final Group A match of the 2018 CECAFA U-17 Championship in Muyinga Stadium,Bujumbura on Friday.

Farhan Mohamed Ahmed scored in the first stanza off a defensive lapse and the Ocean Stars held off spirited Kenya efforts in the second half to assure victory.

Kenya’s Nesta Wangema, Mathew Mwendwa and Isaiah Abwal made concerted efforts towards the end, and even hit the upright twice with most of other attacks being cleared easily by opponents defense.

However, despite the defeat Kenya have qualified to the semi-finals set to be played on April 25 where they will meet neighbors Uganda.

Kenya finished second of Group A  with four points but with a superior goal difference over hosts Burundi who beat Ethiopia 1-0 in their last group match.

The youngsters had earlier on edged out Burundi 4-0 in the opening match of the tourney before being held to a 0-0 draw by Ethiopia in the second match.

Somalia topped the group with 7 points with Burundi occupying third position and Ethiopia at the bottom.

The Ocean Stars will play the winner between Tanzania and Sudan in the semi-finals next week. Tanzania and Sudan face-off on Sunday at Muyinga Stadium in the final Group B match.

Kenya Starting XI: Brian Olango, Lawrence Otieno, Telvin Maina, Christopher Raila, Arnold Onyango, Nicholas Omondi, Patrick Ngunyi, Daniel Ochieng, Nesta Wangema, Mathew Mwendwa, Isaiah Abwal.

Subs: Maxwell Mulili, Costah Anjeo, Michael Abongo, Felix Chabaya, Said Musa, Lesley Otieno.