The Kenya U17 Women’s National Team, popularly known as the Junior Starlets, achieved a historic milestone in their final group-stage match at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Despite their early elimination from the tournament, the team earned a 2-1 victory over Mexico, a proud moment for Kenyan football.
The ongoing tournament in the Dominican Republic saw Kenya enter as an underdog. They began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to England last Friday, followed by a 3-0 loss to North Korea on Sunday, which confirmed their exit from the competition.
However, in their last group match, head coach Mildred Cheche made several strategic changes to the lineup. Quinter Adhiambo and Kimberly Akinyi were brought in to replace Lorine Ilavonga and Diana Anyango in defense, while Pearl Olesi stepped in for the suspended Rebecca Odato in midfield. Additionally, Joan Ogola took over from Velma Awuor in the attack.
Kenya’s First-Ever World Cup Goal
Fifteen minutes into the match, Valerie Nekesa made history by scoring Kenya’s first-ever goal at the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup. This breakthrough put the Junior Starlets in a promising position. In the 36th minute, Lorna Faith Wasike doubled the lead, giving Kenya a commanding 2-0 advantage over Mexico.
Despite a late goal by Alexa Soto in stoppage time, denying goalkeeper Velma Abwire a clean sheet, Kenya held firm to secure the win. Lorna Faith Wasike was named the match’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her outstanding performance.
In the other Group C match, North Korea thrashed England 4-0, finishing at the top of the group with a total of 10 goals scored and only one conceded.
A Proud Exit
Although the Junior Starlets were eliminated from the tournament, they returned home with immense pride, having become the first-ever Kenyan football team to participate in a World Cup. Their performance, highlighted by the historic victory, will be remembered as a significant step forward for women’s football in Kenya.
Starting XI:
- Velma Abwire
- Elizabeth Ochaka
- Quinter Odiwuor
- Kimberly Akinyi
- Christine Adhiambo
- Halima Imbachi
- Pearl Olesi
- Lorna Faith Wasike
- Joan Ogola
- Marion Serenge
- Valerie Nekesa
Substitutes:
- Ephy Awuor
- Scovia Awuor
- Velma Awuor
- Jenevive Mithel
- Jane Kweyu
- Susan Akoth
- Joan Ogola
- Lindey Weey Atieno
ALSO READ:FIFA awards Morocco hosting rights for next Five FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup tournaments
