Here are the lessons learnt from Junior Starlets’ comfortable 2-0 win over Uganda in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Uganda’s Teen Cranes in the first leg of the second-round qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The match, held at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, Kampala, saw Kenya dominate proceedings with a well-organized performance.
Edinah Nasipwondi opened the scoring in the 36th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to beat the offside trap and calmly slot past the Ugandan goalkeeper.
Joan Ogola doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a composed finish following a surging run down the left flank.
Here are five things we learnt from their famous victory over their East African rivals.
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5 things learnt from Junior Starlets’ comfortable victory over Uganda in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has handed a lifeline to the South African-based defender after including him in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
1. Junior Starlets’ deadly wingers
Kenya’s wingers ran riot at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday, Edinah Nasipondwi and Joah Ogolla both finding the back of the net before the break.
Nasipondwi, who played on the right wing, opened the scoring, before Joan Ogolla hit the nail in Uganda’s coffin with the second goal.
Nasipondwi gave the left-back a hard time with her one-v-one dribbling and general ability to retain possession, while Ogola’s directness constantly gave Mildred Cheche an outlet they could use to exploit Uganda’s high line.
Cheche will be hoping they can carry on their momentum on Sunday, 16th March in the return leg, which will give them an ideal platform for their next round against one of Ethiopia or Cameroon.
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Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo has shared a post from a fan linking him with a move away to Tanzanian giants.
2. Junior Starlets’ direct approach worked
Mildred Cheche’s charges deployed a direct approach for the match and it was a gamble that paid off, considering the Ugandan defence consistently tried to push high given their home advantage throughout the match.
For the first goal, it was a long ball by left-back Judith Nandwa that was the killer blow for Uganda. The Kenyans could easily have added more goals, with Brenda Achieng even missing another chance in the first half following a great long ball from deep by Elizabeth Ochaka.
This set off the game for a comfortable victory in favor of the visitors.
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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is among African players plying their trade in Qatar and he also ranks highly when it comes to those earning big money in the Gulf nation.
3. Lindey Weey Atieno is a gem
Lindey Weey Atieno is a proper talent. The game revolved around the creative midfielder, whose assist for the winning goal by Ogolla was a joy to watch.
All attacks went through her, with the attacking midfielder serving as a hook upon which the other players would run off. Given her experience at the last tournament in the Dominican Republic, where she was not really taking a hands.
Mildred Cheche needs to do everything possible to wrap her in cotton wool to make sure she helps guide the team to a second-successive World Cup.
4. Junior Starlets were compact off the ball
Throughout the match, the Kenyans barely gave any spaces away, adopting a mid-block set up that primarily emphasised on making sure the Ugandans barely created inroads from the middle of the park.
This frustrated Uganda into mostly creating from set-piece situations, which they executed quite poorly.
5. Experience from previous World Cup helping
Kenya’s World Cup experience has massively helped the young girls as they looked comfortable all afternoon.
The Junior Starlets’ squad that participated in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic included several players who featured in the recent match against Uganda.
Among them were key contributors like new captain Halima Imbachi and emerita Elizabeth Ochaka, Lindey Weey Atieno, and Velma Abwire.
These players brought their experience and composure to the midfield and defensive lines, helping the team maintain control and secure a 2-0 victory over Uganda.
Additionally Joan Ogola, who was part of the World Cup squad, continued to shine in the Uganda match. Their attacking prowess and ability to create scoring opportunities have been instrumental in the Junior Starlets’ journey toward qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.