Junior Starlets aim to secure FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification by defeating Uganda in the decisive second-leg qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.
Junior Starlets will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage as they face Uganda in the second leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Kenyan youngsters hold a crucial 2-0 advantage from the first leg and will be aiming to seal their place in the next round.
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Coached by Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets delivered a solid performance in the first encounter at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala, securing a comfortable lead that puts them in a favorable position ahead of the return leg.
Starlets have been in high spirits throughout their preparations, knowing that a positive result at home will edge them closer to qualification for the global tournament.
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Uganda, on the other hand, will not be an easy opponent as they advanced to the second round after an emphatic 18-0 aggregate win over Namibia, proving their attacking prowess. However, Kenya’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline will be key in neutralizing the threat posed by the Ugandan attack.
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Kenyan forward Joan Ogola, who was instrumental in the first leg with a goal, is confident that the team will complete the job on home soil.
“Since I joined the Starlets in 2024, I have given two assists, and in the first leg against Uganda, I managed to score my first goal, which motivated me a lot. Ahead of the second leg on Sunday, we are very much prepared, and we will use the home advantage to thrash them,” said the St Maurice Mwira Girls student as per Citizen Digital.
Her teammate, defender Lorine Ilavonga, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the pride that comes with donning the national colors.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to play for the national team. We understand Uganda is a tough side, but we will give it our best and win the match,” Ilavonga stated.
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The Junior Starlets will rely on their disciplined backline and the creativity of their attacking players to maintain their advantage. Midfield control will also be crucial, as Uganda will be desperate to overturn the deficit.
Cheche’s charges have shown remarkable composure in previous matches, and their experience from playing against stronger opponents, including a 2-1 win over Mexico in October 2024, will be an added advantage.
Nyayo Stadium, which last hosted an international match on November 19, 2023, when the senior Harambee Starlets played Botswana in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, is expected to be packed with passionate home supporters. The energy from the stands could provide the extra push needed for the Junior Starlets to secure another victory.
Fans can purchase tickets in advance at tikiti.co.ke or through 51955# on mobile, with VIP tickets retailing at Sh500 and terraces at Sh100.