diff --git a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_9_2_17_Orphan.py b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_9_2_17_Orphan.py
index c9faea130..ee147636d 100755
--- a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_9_2_17_Orphan.py
+++ b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_9_2_17_Orphan.py
@@ -116,10 +116,10 @@ class Cert_9_2_17_Orphan(thread_cert.TestCase):
 
         # Step 1: Ensure the topology is formed correctly
         # Verify that Leader_1 & Leader_2 are sending MLE Advertisements on separate channels.
+        pkts.copy().filter_wpan_src64(LEADER_1).filter_mle_cmd(MLE_ADVERTISEMENT).must_next()
+        pkts.copy().filter_wpan_src64(LEADER_2).filter_mle_cmd(MLE_ADVERTISEMENT).must_next()
         pkts.filter_wpan_src64(LEADER_1).filter_mle_cmd(MLE_CHILD_ID_RESPONSE).must_next().must_verify(
             lambda p: p.wpan.dst64 == ED and p.thread_meshcop.tlv.channel == [CHANNEL1])
-        pkts.filter_wpan_src64(LEADER_1).filter_mle_cmd(MLE_ADVERTISEMENT).must_next()
-        pkts.copy().filter_wpan_src64(LEADER_2).filter_mle_cmd(MLE_ADVERTISEMENT).must_next()
 
         # Step 4: powers-down Leader_1 and enables connectivity between the ED and Leader_2
         # ED MUST send a MLE Parent Request