The Junior Starlets are set to compete in the second leg of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda following a 2-0 win in the first leg. Key players and the head coach express confidence and readiness for the upcoming match on March 16 at Nyayo National Stadium. Their goal is to advance in the tournament after successfully debuting last year.
The National women’s U17 soccer team, Junior Starlets, is poised to secure a double victory against Uganda in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier. Following a 2-0 triumph in the first leg in Kampala, the Starlets are clear in their objectives for the return match on March 16 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Ednah Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola each scored in the first half, providing Kenya a crucial advantage for the upcoming game.
Head coach Mildred Cheche expressed confidence about the return leg, stating, “The match was tough but the players gave it their all and we got the win away which is very important. We have another game at home; it is not yet over. We are focused on getting a good result.” Midfielder Lindey Wee Atieno, who assisted one of the goals, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The game wasn’t easy; we promise to do well in our forthcoming matches; we are very ready.”
Captain Halima Imbachi emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they prepare for the next match. “We achieved the goal of getting the win away, and this puts us in good shape ahead of the second leg. We have to focus and keep training,” she stated. A victory in the next round would propel Kenya into the final stages of the tournament, where they would face off against either Cameroon or Ethiopia, with the former leading 5-2 from the first leg.
Kenya aims to qualify for their second consecutive FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, following their debut in the Dominican Republic last year. The upcoming 2025 tournament will be held in Africa for the first time, hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8. The Junior Starlets’ squad features a strong lineup, with goalkeepers Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, and Ann Wavinya, defenders such as Elizabeth Ochaka and Patience Asiko, midfielders including Halima Imbachi and Lindy Wee Atieno, and forwards like Joan Ogola and Ednah Nasipwondi.
In summary, the Junior Starlets have laid a strong foundation for their upcoming match against Uganda after a pivotal first leg victory. With their focused training and determination, they aspire to advance further in the tournament and repeat their success from the previous World Cup participation. The squad’s unity and strategic planning will be critical in achieving their goal of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Morocco.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
