By Brenda Nekesa Nyongesa
Destiny beckons for Kenya’s Under 17 women’s national football team, the Junior Starlets, as they prepare for a decisive second leg against Burundi in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
With a commanding three-goal advantage from their first-leg triumph, the Junior Starlets aim to secure their ticket to the global stage with a strong home performance.
In the initial encounter at Addis Ababa’s Abebe Bikila Stadium, the Junior Starlets left no room for doubt, clinching a resounding 3-0 victory over Burundi.
Goals from Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and substitute Susan Okoth highlighted Kenya’s dominance on the field, setting the stage for a potential historic debut at the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.
In a press conference Starlets Head coach Mildred Cheche said, “playing at home comes with a lot of pressure because now Burundi wants to get three points and we have to get more than three goals. We have a big task on ensuring we maintain our lead.”
As anticipation mounts among fans and stakeholders alike, all eyes are on the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where the Junior Starlets will seek to cap off their journey with a performance worthy of their aspirations.
With the entire nation rallying behind them, Kenya’s Junior Starlets are on the verge of etching their names in history and inspiring future generations of women footballers across the country.
The footballing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this pivotal match, poised to witness whether Kenya’s rising stars can fulfill their World Cup dreams and announce themselves on the global stage.
With the nation’s hopes resting on their shoulder, these 11 players represent the future of Kenyan women’s football Velma Abwire (Goal Keeper), Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Ochaka, Velma Awuor, Marion Serenge, Halima Imbachi, Lorna Faith, Rebecca Odato, Quinter Adhiambo.