FIFA U17 WWC: Advantaged Junior Starlets face Namibia in crucial second-leg tie

The Kenya U17 Women's national team, Junior Starlets will play host to Namibia in the second leg of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers today, Saturday 18 April at the Ulinzi Sports Complex from 1500 hrs (EAT).

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The match comes six days after the two teams met in Windhoek, Namibia, where the Starlets squeezed a 2-1 victory to give them advantage in the home match.

The match is so important to Kenya, who are seeking to make a return to the U17 World Cup, following their debut in the global tourney in 2024.

FIFA U17 WWC: Junior Starlets in a better place to handle Namibia in home leg

Coach Mildred Cheche said the team has largely been working on converting chances to goals, after it proved to be their main undoing in the first leg.

“There are a few things which we needed to improve in ahead of this fixture like scoring. At least we also have a view now of how they play, and have developed strategies to handle them effectively.

What worked well for us in the first leg was the composure of the players, and we were able to keep the ball and create chances even though we did not convert the majority of them. At least now, we only have the little task of turning the chances to goals,” said Cheche.

The experienced tactician went on to issue a rallying call on Kenyans to fill Ulinzi Complex and cheer the girls.

“Home support is key and we call on all Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and support the team,” she added.

As for her Namibian counterpart Nicolas Jacobs, he still harbors hopes of qualifying to the next round, even though he acknowledges the prowess of the Junior Starlets.

“I always believe in a tomorrow, and we have one against a strong Kenyan side with outstanding players. They are still the favorites to win. However, we are called the land of the brave, and especially when our backs are against the wall, that is the time that we come out and we are banking on that, especially considering our second half performance in the last match,” said Jacobs.

“We will give our best because we are not just here to honor fixtures, but to fight and compete,” he added.

The aggregate winner will meet the winner of the Zimbabwe versus Uganda tie.

Uganda are in pole position to qualify after grabbing a 2-0 victory away in Harare, ahead of their second leg match today at the FUFA Kadiba Stadium from 1600 hrs (EAT).

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