The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s U17 Women’s national soccer team, are set to compete against Cameroon in the final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. They advanced by defeating Uganda with an aggregate score of 5-0. Coach Mildred Cheche and captain Halima Imbachi emphasize preparation for Cameroon’s physicality and the importance of mental readiness.
The Kenya U17 Women’s soccer team, known as the Junior Starlets, is poised for a match against Cameroon in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Under the guidance of head coach Mildred Cheche, the team advanced to the final round of qualifiers by defeating Uganda 3-0 in the return leg, culminating in a 5-0 aggregate victory after a 2-0 win in Kampala.
In their recent match against Uganda, Patience Asiko contributed one goal, while Brenda Achieng notably scored twice, making her national team debut remarkable. Coach Cheche highlighted Achieng’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure, stating the importance of allowing her to play without pressure to maximize her performance.
The upcoming clash with Cameroon is scheduled for April 18, with a return leg set for the following week. Coach Cheche recognized the physical prowess of the Cameroonian team. She emphasized the necessity of rigorous training to enhance their physical conditioning in preparation for this significant encounter.
Team captain Halima Imbachi conveyed confidence in their mental and psychological readiness, stressing that while the Cameroonian players may be physically stronger, strategic thinking is crucial in football.
The winner of the two-legged match will earn a spot in the 2025 World Cup finals, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Following their debut in last year’s tournament in the Dominican Republic, Kenya seeks to qualify once again.
The Junior Starlets have demonstrated their capability by defeating Uganda, with key contributions from players like Patience Asiko and Brenda Achieng. As they prepare for a challenging match against Cameroon, the focus remains on enhancing their physical fitness and mental agility. The upcoming qualifiers are crucial as they aim for a second consecutive appearance in the World Cup.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
