Junior Starlets oozed class and their comprehensive win against the East African side deserves an applause but how did the players fare?
The Junior Starlets were a cut above Teen Cranes following their 3-0 comprehensive victory on Sunday in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Nyayo Stadium.
The Mildred Cheche-coached side were relentless in their quest for glory on home soil. Once they settled into the match, the team showed why their first-time ever participation in the World Cup in 2024 was not by fluke.
Pulse Sports rates the performance of the Junior Starlets players.
Velma Abwire -7
The hawk-eyed shot-stopper was called into action as early as the opening minute. Abwire was called into action a few times but she fully deserved her cleansheet.
Elizabeth Ochaka- 7
The all-action righback was in her element and made no room for error. After a tense opening 10 minutes, she quickly settled in and was a joy to watch whenever she made attacking forays into the opposition box.
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Lorine Ilavonga 8
The athletic centre demonstrated why she is the present and future of Harambee Stars team. She displayed maturity beyond her age and marshalled the back well, typical of Liverpool’s Van Dijk.
Judith Nandwa 8
She did whatever was required of her and thwarted Uganda’s attack. She provided the crucial assist for the opener.
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Junior Starlets secured a crucial win at Nyayo Stadium, advancing to the final qualification round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to face Cameroon.
Genevieve Mitchel -6
Was commanding and suffered when it mattered. As a central midfielder, she covered the ground and her athletic nature will be required against Cameroon in the final round of the qualifiers.
Halima Imbachi -7 (captain)
Imbachi’s performance was typical of a leader. She was peerless in the middle of the park. She did the donkey’s work that involved tackling, interception and also launching attacks.
Brenda Awuor -6
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She could not dictate the match as required from an attacking midfielder. Was given little room to roam, limiting her impact.
Lindsey Weey Atieno -7
Another eye-catching performance from the diminutive attacker. She proved once again why coach Mildred Cheche trusts her. She will slot into any team irrespective of the coach.
Joan Ogola -7
She is a workaholic and her industrious nature allowed Junior Starlets to neutralize Teen Cranes’ impact in midfield.Even though she looked raw at times, she was not exposed by the opposition.
Patience Asiko -8
Provided the much-needed assist that sunk Teen Cranes. Her vision, range of passing and creativity was invaluable in midfield. She scored the first goal that set the tone for Junior Starlets.
Edinah Nasipwondi –
She was a threat throughout but was unlucky to find the back of the net. Nasipwondi is a willing runner and did the dirty job required from a forward.
Brenda Achieng -9
She was introduced in the 66th minute when she replaced Nasipwondi. Barely 16 minutes after introduction, she made the difference, doubling Junior Starlets lead in the 82nd minute from Joan Ogola assist. In stoppage time, she grabbed her brace with a stunning solo strike. Her thunderous shot evading the hands of Haira Nabbosa.
Joyangela Valencia 4
Replaced Weey Atieno in the 71st minute. Toiled hard in midfield but her comeo appearance yeilded nothing tangible.
Faith Boke 3
She did what was required of her when she was called into action to replaced the tired- looking Asiko. Although in the 71st minute when she came in, the Teen Cranes never threatened.