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.
Junior Starlets grabbed a 3-0 victory over Uganda in a match played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday sealing their place in the final round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The win secured a 5-0 aggregate triumph for Kenya, setting up a decisive two-legged clash against Cameroon for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Uganda threatened straight from the kick-off as Nusulah Nakintu flashed a first-time shot just wide of the target from the edge of the box in the opening minute.
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However, Kenya quickly went on the attack, not giving Sheryl Botes’ side any time to settle and broke the deadlock in the third minute.
Judith Nandwa played a long ball that landed at the feet of Patience Asiko who advanced into the box before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
After the goal, Junior Starlets and Sheryl Botes’ side battled in midfield with both teams having a few opportunities in attack.
Uganda came to life again shortly thereafter and had an opportunity for an equalizer at the halfway mark from a delivery across the face of goal after a nice passing move but striker Halima Mupyanga missed the target.
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However, Kenya continued to probe for a second goal only to be thwarted by some dogged defending from the visitors.
Velma Abwire was eventually called into action five minutes before the break to keep out a long-range effort.
As the second half progressed, Teen Cranes continued to hunt for the equalizer, pressing Junior Starlets deep into the final third.
A goal-saving tackle was made by Elizabeth Ochaka as Joyce Kainza set up Mariam Namataka through on goal in the last 10 minutes of play.
In the 82nd minute, Brenda Achieng doubled Kenya’s lead with a clinical finish after a precise assist from Joan Ogola to make it 2-0.
At the final whistle, Brenda Achieng completed her double in extra time with a stunning solo effort, dribbling past four Ugandan defenders before unleashing a powerful volley past Haira Nabbosa, sealing a dominant 3-0 victory for the Junior Starlets.
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Starlets will now meet Cameroon in the final qualification round after securing a positive result. The Central Africans beat Ethiopia 1-0 in Saturday’s return leg, progressing 6-2 on aggregate after a 5-2 win in the first leg last weekend.
How they lined up:
Kenya: Velma Abwire (GK), Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa, Jenevive Mithel, Halima Imbachi (C), Brenda Awuor, Lindey Weey Atieno, Joan Ogola, Patience Asiko, Edinah Nasipwondi.
Subs:Faith Boke, Brigit Maria, Mwanakombo Nlela Bakari, Fleviah Khatenge, Joyangela Valencia, Brenda Achieng, Scovia Awuor.
Uganda: Haira Nabbosa (GK), Agnes Nabukenya (C), Charity Katusiime, Dorine Aujat, Halima Mupyanga, Joyce Kainza, Loyce Komugisha, Mariam Namataka, Martha Babirye, Nusulah Nakintu, Zidah Asiimwe.
Subs: Justine Ayenango, Mackline Niwandinda, Patience Asanyo, Peace Ajiarowath, Rinnah Ariho, Sharifoh Kitizo Namutebi (GK), Uwyo Ashanti Imurinde.
