Junior Starlets Seal Historic Return to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Sports Updated: 14 July 2026 10:04 EAT
Photo Courtesy.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets once again etched their names into the history books after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking their second appearance at the global showpiece in just three years.
Backed by a passionate home crowd at a packed Nyayo National Stadium, the young Kenyan side staged a remarkable comeback to defeat South Africa 3-1 in the second leg of their final qualifying tie, completing a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory.
Having carried a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in South Africa, coach Mildred Cheche’s side only needed to avoid defeat to secure qualification. Instead, they delivered another spirited performance that highlighted the rapid growth of women’s youth football in Kenya.
The visitors made a dream start when Katlebo Malehana capitalized on a defensive lapse to give South Africa an early lead, briefly threatening Kenya’s aggregate advantage. Despite the setback, the Junior Starlets remained composed and went into the halftime break trailing by a single goal.
The hosts emerged a transformed side after the restart. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Gaudencia Makokha rose highest to head home the equalizer, reigniting the hopes of the home supporters.
Substitute Elizabeth Opiyo then changed the course of the match with an energetic display after coming off the bench. Her quick footwork inside the penalty area earned Kenya a late spot-kick, which Brenda Awuor confidently converted to put the Junior Starlets ahead. Moments later, Opiyo capped off a memorable performance by finishing off a swift counterattack to seal a famous 3-1 victory.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations as Kenya confirmed another historic qualification, underlining the country’s continued rise in women’s football.
Head coach Mildred Cheche praised her players for their resilience and mental strength, revealing that the team overcame early nerves before producing an outstanding second-half display.
“I am really delighted. I am happy for the girls, the technical bench and the whole country. The journey has not been easy but here we are again. All this is the fruit of hard work and belief,” Cheche said after the match.
Looking ahead to the tournament, the coach challenged her squad to raise the bar after gaining valuable experience at their World Cup debut in 2024.
“We now have to prepare well and focus on getting better results. We want to go past the group stages, and I believe we have the ability to do it,” she added.
The latest qualification is another significant milestone for Kenyan football, reflecting the growing investment and progress in the women’s game.
As the Junior Starlets prepare for Morocco 2026, they carry not only the hopes of a nation but also the ambition of making an even bigger impact on the global stage.
Tags:
Share this article
