Kenya’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Junior Starlets, have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa 3-1 in the second leg of the final qualifying round at Nyayo National Stadium.
The Junior Starlets sealed qualification with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory, having won the first leg 2-0 in Pretoria last week.
The result guarantees Kenya a place at the World Cup finals, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2026.
This marks the second time the Junior Starlets have qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their historic debut at the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic under head coach Mildred Cheche.
Before kick-off, players and fans observed a minute’s silence in honour of former South African national team player Jayden Adams, who passed away on Friday at the age of 25.
Coach Mildred Cheche named the same starting eleven that secured the 2-0 victory in Pretoria. Mishel Ng’ono started in goal behind defenders Brendah Awuor, Fleviah Khatenje, Sylvia Namisi and Berveline Awuor. The midfield featured Noelina Akuku, Mwanakombo Bakari and Gaudencia Maloba, while Lindey Weey Atieno and Faith Boke supported striker Brenda Achieng.
South Africa made a strong start and took the lead in the fifth minute through captain Katleho Malebana after a defensive lapse by Kenya.
Three minutes later, Kenya nearly equalised when Faith Boke set up Brenda Achieng, but the striker failed to hit the target despite being one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Kenya continued to press and earned a free-kick in the 15th minute after Achieng was fouled outside the penalty area, but Lindey Weey’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
South Africa almost doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Pilate Moloi dribbled past goalkeeper Ng’ono and two defenders, only to see the shot roll narrowly wide.
Despite dominating the closing stages of the first half, Kenya failed to convert their chances and went into the break trailing 1-0.
At the start of the second half, Coach Cheche introduced Emily Adhiambo in place of Lindey Weey, a substitution that injected fresh energy into Kenya’s attack.
The Junior Starlets kept up the pressure, with Brenda Achieng coming close to equalising in the 54th minute, but her effort struck the side netting.
Kenya finally found the breakthrough in the 70th minute when Gaudencia Maloba levelled the score.
The hosts then took the lead after Brendah Awuor calmly converted a penalty awarded to Kenya.
Substitute Elizabeth Alizeba Achieng sealed the victory in stoppage time with Kenya’s third goal, securing a 3-1 win on the day and a convincing 5-1 aggregate triumph.
The Junior Starlets will now shift their focus to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where they will be aiming to surpass their performance at their maiden appearance in 2024.
Leave a comment