Cheche dreams big after guiding Kenya U17 to second successive World Cup
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 13.07.26. | 09:12
Having already made history by qualifying twice, Cheche now wants her side to make it to the next step during this year's finals in Morocco
Kenya U17 head coach Mildred Cheche has set her sights on reaching the knockout rounds of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after guiding the Junior Starlets to the big stage for the second time.
Roared on by a capacity crowd at the Nyayo National Stadium, the Junior Starlets came from behind to beat South Africa 3-1 on Sunday evening, sealing a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory to book their place at this year's tournament in Morocco.
It marks the second FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup appearance for Kenya after Cheche also led the team to the 2024 edition in the Dominican Republic.
Back then, Junior Starlets exited in the group stage following defeats to North Korea and England before ending their campaign with a memorable victory over Mexico.
Having already made history by qualifying twice, Cheche now wants her side to take the next step.
"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," Cheche said in an interview with CAF Media.
The coach admitted her players were overwhelmed by the occasion early in the match after South Africa took the lead in the fifth minute through Katlebo Malehana, who capitalized on a defensive error to beat goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo in a one-on-one situation.
"The girls had some stage fright at the start and played with some fear. We went back to the dressing room at halftime and reminded them that we were playing at home. Even if they had never played in front of such a huge crowd before, we had to step up and deliver. I am glad they responded well in the second half," Cheche explained.
Kenya produced a spirited response after the break. Gaudencia Maloba restored parity in the 70th minute with a well-taken header before substitute Elizabeth Opiyo changed the game after coming off the bench.
The lively forward won a penalty in the 86th minute after a dazzling run into the box, allowing Brenda Awuor to calmly convert from the spot.
Moments later, Opiyo capped off the comeback herself, finishing a swift counterattack after being set up by Brenda Achieng.
Cheche praised her players for their resilience throughout the qualifying campaign, saying their determination and belief had been rewarded.
"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. The girls wanted to do this from the start and you can see the joy on our faces," she said.
After making history once again, Kenya's attention now shifts to Morocco, where Cheche hopes the Junior Starlets can build on the lessons from their maiden World Cup appearance and become the first Kenyan football team to reach the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.