Junior Starlets are eying a second straight qualification to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with Uganda’s Teen Cranes in their path in their path.
The Kenya women’s national U-17 football team, Junior Starlets, is gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against Uganda’s Teen Cranes in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
With a second consecutive qualification at stake, the Junior Starlets are determined to overcome their East African rivals in the two-legged tie.
The first leg is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, at Uganda’s Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, before the return fixture takes place on March 16.
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The Mildred Cheche-coached Kenyan side is set to depart for Uganda on Thursday, March 6, aiming to secure a strong result away from home before hosting the decisive second leg.
On the other hand, Uganda’s Teen Cranes have been in intense preparations at the Cranes Paradise Hotel since February 24, fully focused on claiming victory over the Starlets.
The Ugandan team, led by head coach Shery Botes, has assembled a formidable squad featuring key players, including highly-rated defender Assimwe Zidah of Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational Secondary School.
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Expressing her readiness for the challenge, Zidah conveyed her excitement and commitment ahead of the matches.
“So far, the training that we are having is very good because we are working hard and putting in the right attitude and sacrifice towards achieving the goals that our coaches have set for us. As players, we are determined to win the upcoming games,” stated Zidah via Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA).
“We are specifically preparing for the match against Kenya on March 8, and we are very committed to winning because we have been putting in the effort and will continue to work hard,” she added putting Kenya on notice.
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With both teams eager to assert their dominance, the upcoming encounters promise to be intense, with each side eyeing a crucial step towards securing a coveted spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Junior Starlets traveling squad:
Goalkeepers: Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ann Wavinya
Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevive Mithel, Patience Asiko, Sharline Munasia, Grace Mumo, Judith Nandwa, Faith Boke
Midfielders: Halima Imbachi, Brenda Awuor, Lindy Weey Atieno, Brigit Maria, Fleviah Khatenje, Mwanakombo Bakari
Forwards: Anifa Bakari, Mitshel Waithera, Joy Angela Valencia, Joan Ogola, Edinah Nasipwondi, Brenda Achieng
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