Peerless Junior Starlets two ties away from U17 World Cup return

Junior Starlets yesterday beat Uganda 3-0 (5-0 on aggregate) in their return leg of the 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup Second Round qualifier match at the revamped Nyayo Stadium.

The empathic win saw Kenya book a date with Cameroon in the final round of the qualifiers slated for next month.

This was the first match to be played at Nyayo after it was closed 14 months ago for renovations in readiness for hosting 2024 CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Kenyan youngsters were a joy to watch as they did what they know to do best, keeping home fans thrilled from start to the final whistle.

Coach Mildred Cheche proved that there is indeed depth on the Junior Starlets bench when she brought in Brenda Achieng, Joy Angela Valencia, Mwanahalima Bakari, Faith Boke and Flavia Khatenje in the second half.

The quintet would prove their worth terrorising the Ugandans and leaving them gasping for air. Their contribution in the game resulted in two goals by Achieng that gave Kenya a 5-0 aggregate win.

Cheche who made changes to her starting 11 said that the analysis informed her decision of the first leg tie away in Uganda.

"We identified gaps that we needed to fill in training and that is what we worked on hence deciding on our starting lineup. Players have different strengths, some can play under pressure while others can't and therefore we must utilise their strengths for positive results," Cheche said.

Her Ugandan equal Sheryl Botes hinted that the outcome was inevitable because they didn't expect Starlets to sit back and allow them to win.

"We came to this match knowing what to expect because we were up against a strong team that had already shown us their capabilities. However, it is a learning process for our girls, they need time and we will surely change and improve Ugandan women's football," Botes said.

Junior Starlets captain Halima Imbachi said: "We had a good game and I'm glad we won again in camp the coaches motivated and instilled confidence in us and made us believe we can do it."

The Ugandans who were looking to overturn a two goal deficit began their goal hunt with earnest as Botes' girls tried to press deep into the Kenyan side.

However, Starlets capitalised on Uganda's offensive strategy that left their backline and goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa exposed to punish them and take a fifth minute lead through Patience Asiko.

The partnership between Asiko and Joan Ogola in attack was magical with the two tormenting the Teen Cranes and forcing them to forego their ambitions to score goals and resort to defensive play.

Starlets were without doubt the better side, dominating the game for the better part of the first half with the Ugandans struggling to keep up the pace. Having been victims of Ednah Nasipwondi's prowess, the Ugandans appeared to have purposed to direct their energies on stopping her and ensuring she doesn't shine against them.

The Kenyan defence of former skipper Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa and Jenevive Mithel was once again the pain in the necks of Ugandan strikers. The quartet grounded Teen Cranes captain and forward Agnes Nabukenya and Nusulah Nakintu denying them any chance of breaking their defence.

Starlets' midfield of captain Halima Imbachi, Lindy Weey Atieno, Brenda Awuor and Mwanakombo Bakari remained solid ensuring that Kenya remained in control of the game by maintaining good ball possession.