Kenya targets comeback in crucial U17 World Cup match against North Korea

Kenya’s U-17 girls’ national team, the Junior Starlets, will be looking to recover from their 2-0 defeat to England as they take on two-time champions North Korea in their second Group C match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The game will be held at Cibao Stadium in the Dominican Republic.

The Starlets, making their debut in the tournament, need a win to keep their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals alive. It’s a challenging task as they face a formidable North Korean side, considered one of the tournament's strongest teams. This is the eighth edition of the prestigious competition, where the stakes are high for both teams.

Coach Mildred Cheche's squad struggled in their first match against England, facing difficulties in both possession and defence. Cheche has promised tactical adjustments ahead of the North Korea game, hoping to put up a stronger performance against the experienced side. “We will put in a lot of effort in the next two games (against North Korea and Mexico),” said Cheche. “Competing at the World Cup gives us a big platform to showcase what we are made of.”

North Korea, champions in 2006 and 2016, come into the match as favourites, with ambitions to reclaim the title. They kicked off their campaign with a 4-1 win over Mexico, powered by a hat-trick from star striker Choe Rim Jong. The North Koreans will aim to secure another victory today, which would confirm their place in the quarter-finals and eliminate Kenya from contention.

Despite the pressure, the Junior Starlets remain optimistic. Striker Marion Serenge has reassured fans that the team has learned from their World Cup debut and is ready to improve. “We have now experienced the World Cup, and we know it will be better for us as we work on our weak points,” said Serenge. “I can tell the fans that we haven’t lost it all. We will regain our form by addressing our weaknesses ahead of the next match.”

Kenya’s defence will have to be on high alert to contain Choe Rim Jong, who has already proven her scoring ability in the tournament. Additionally, North Korea’s Choe Il Son, a standout player from their U-20 World Cup-winning squad, will pose a significant threat.

For Kenya, a win against North Korea would keep their quarter-final dreams alive, setting up a must-win scenario against Mexico in their final group game. However, a victory for North Korea would secure their quarter-final berth and leave Kenya’s World Cup campaign hanging by a thread.