The Mildred Cheche-coached side produced a superb performance to defeat hosts South Africa 2-0 in the first leg of the final qualification round, played on Friday evening at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Defender Faith Boke gave Kenya the lead in the 14th minute before striker Brenda Achieng doubled the advantage in the 61st minute, handing the Junior Starlets a crucial away victory.
The return leg will be played this Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
The impressive result has placed Kenya in a strong position to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
The Junior Starlets need only a draw of any kind—or even a one-goal defeat at home—to secure their place at the global tournament.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Bantwana must win by at least three goals in Nairobi to overturn the deficit and qualify.
The winner on aggregate after Sunday’s second leg will claim Africa’s final qualification slot for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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