Cheche reveals message that guided Junior Starlets closer to World Cup return
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 31.05.26. | 11:45
Kenya advanced to the third and final round of qualification after holding Uganda Teens to a goalless draw at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has revealed the message she delivered to her players before their crucial FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier against Uganda.
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Kenya advanced to the third and final round of qualification after holding Uganda Teens to a goalless draw at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
The result was enough to send the Kenyan girls through the third and final qualifying round on the away goals rule following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Uganda on 22 May.
Ahead of the return leg, the Ugandans had made it clear that they intended to score early and take control of the tie. However, Kenya successfully neutralized that threat to secure progression.
Speaking after the match, Cheche disclosed that her instructions to the players were centered on making full use of their home advantage while ensuring they protected the advantage earned away from home.
"We told the girls that we have a home advantage first and therefore, if we cannot score, we should at least defend and get the point we need in this game, then proceed to the next stage and plan from there," revealed the Harambee Starlets assistant coach.
The draw means Kenya are now one tie away from securing a second appearance at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
The Junior Starlets will face the winner of the ongoing second-round contest between South Africa and Tanzania. South Africa holds the upper hand after securing a 2-0 away victory in the first leg played in Zanzibar last weekend.
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Despite moving closer to qualification, Cheche expects another stern challenge in the final hurdle.
"The next round is not going to be easy. It will be just like the rest because our group is also tough. Between Tanzania and South Africa, both are strong teams. Since we start away, we will try to get an away-goal advantage so that when we come home, it will be easier," she said.
With a World Cup place now within touching distance, Kenya will be seeking one final positive result to return to the global stage for the second time in less than two years.