Kenya’s Junior Starlets aim to finish off Uganda in U17 World Cup Qualifier

Kenya's Junior Starlets are confident of completing the job against Uganda's U17 women's team as they clash in the second leg of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Second Qualifying Round at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is set for 3 pm, with Kenya holding a 2-0 advantage from their first-leg victory in Kampala last week.

A win or draw will edge Kenya closer to securing back-to-back World Cup qualifications, having featured in last year’s tournament in the Dominican Republic. The Junior Starlets will then face Cameroon in the final qualifying round after the West Africans defeated Ethiopia 6-2 on aggregate.

Harambee Starlets captain Halima Imbachi, who was part of the squad in the Dominican Republic, expressed excitement about the upcoming challenge.

“We have a big match tomorrow, and after that, we’ll play against Cameroon, which will be another tough game,” Imbachi said. “However, the contest against Uganda is not over yet. The 2-0 lead gives us a good cushion, but we still have to go out and win tomorrow.”

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche confirmed the team is in good shape despite one player being sidelined due to injury.

“We have only one injury, but the remaining players are ready to represent the country well,” Cheche said.

Despite dominating Uganda in the first leg, Cheche remains cautious of Uganda’s attacking threat.

“We do not want to concede tomorrow. Uganda has a good forward line and players who can shoot from distance. Therefore, we have to be vigilant,” she added.

Uganda’s coach, South African Sheryl Botes, remains hopeful her team can overturn the deficit.

“Obviously, we lost the first leg, but we have a chance to correct our mistakes in the second leg. We’ve been working hard and hope for a great display tomorrow,” Botes said.

She acknowledged Kenya’s strength, particularly the experience gained from the 2024 U17 Women's World Cup.

“We’ve analysed Kenya’s matches against North Korea, England, and Mexico. They have good physicality and speed. We’ve worked extensively on our tactics and will give Kenya a big fight,” Botes added.

The Junior Starlets head into the match on a five-game unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers, during which they’ve yet to concede a goal.

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