CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship: Kenya eye top spot in decisive Tanzania clash
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 17.06.26. | 07:00
Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s showdown with Tanzania, who have also impressed with wins over Somalia and Sudan
Kenya U-17 women’s national football team will head into their decisive Group A clash against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday at the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship in Dar-es-Salaam knowing that even a draw will be enough to secure top spot in the group.
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The Junior Starlets have been in ruthless form throughout the tournament, opening with a 16-0 demolition of Sudan before following it up with a commanding 6-0 win over Somalia.
Those results have left Kenya top of Group A on goal difference heading into the final group match.
Against Somalia, Kenya once again displayed their attacking quality and control under coach Mildred Cheche.
Faith Boke opened the scoring in the 15th minute after reacting quickest to a well-delivered pass from Emily Odhiambo, before Brenda Achieng continued her fine form with a quick second.
Beryl Okumu then added a brace to put Kenya firmly in command before halftime, as second-half goals from substitute Elizabeth Alizeba and Patience Waithira completed another dominant display.
Despite Somalia’s attempts to reorganise, Kenya’s defense remained disciplined and unbreached, maintaining their perfect defensive record in the competition.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s showdown against Tanzania, who have also impressed with wins over Somalia (4-0) and Sudan (10-0), setting up a direct battle for Group A supremacy.
With both sides level on points and possessing dominant wins in their previous matches, Kenya currently edges the group on goal difference, meaning a draw will be enough for them to finish top.
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Assistant coach Ann Aluoch says the team’s focus remains on securing the group, while maintaining respect for the hosts.
“Our eyes are on winning the group. We respect our opponents, Tanzania, but ahead of the game, we are going to prepare well and try to top the group,” she said.
“Tanzania is good, but we have come well prepared, and the goal is to top the group. We are not going for anything less in that game.”
She also reflected on the team’s performances and the value of such tournaments in player development.
“I first want to thank the players for the good game they showed. Scoring six goals means they worked hard and played well.
“I also want to thank Somalia for the good game they put in. Being their first time in the competition, they did really well. We scored 16 against Sudan, but Somalia were a tougher side, and I think that with more competitions, they are going to be a formidable team.
“Such tournaments are important because you may have good players, but without them to sharpen the players, you cannot get them to the best level. These competitions are helping us prepare the players well, and we are happy.”
