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

Kenya women's U17 head coach Mildred Cheche says her team now has a “better view” of opponents Namibia, ahead of a pivotal second leg of the first round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Qualifiers at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, 18 April.

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Cheche, speaking ahead of the meeting with the Baby Gladiators, said her Junior Starlets were at an upper-hand going into the home tie, having already figured out how Namibia set up, making them favorites to advance to the second round.

Going into the 1500 EAT fixture, Kenya holds a slim 2-1 lead from the first-leg, which was played at the UNAM Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Sunday, 12 April.

FIFA U17 WWCQ: Junior Starlets edge Namibia to take advantage ahead of second-leg tie in Nairobi

“It is a big chance for us; we have learnt how they [Namibia] are playing,” Cheche said on Friday, 17 April. “Initially we didn’t know how they were playing, so right now we have a better view of how they are playing, and we have adjusted to the right strategies to see whether we can get a win at home.”

In the first leg, Junior Starlets needed needed two quick goals from the experienced duo of Lindey Weey Atieno and Faith Boke to put Namibia on the backfoot, though they reorganized themselves better in the second half to pull a goal back via substitute Khloe Awases in the 85th minute.

Asked what her team would carry on in the return leg, Cheche said: “What worked well was the composure. The players were able to keep the ball, and got numerous chances to score.

Even though they didn’t utilize most of them, I am glad they created them, and we have now worked properly on the finishing part.”

Junior Starlets are seeking to qualify for their second U17 World Cup in three years, and will have to do it this year with a bunch of fresh faces, who Cheche said will need the home support to lift their spirits.

“The home support is very important,” Cheche, who led the side to their first ever World Cup in 2024, said. “Playing at home is always good for the players as they are energized and are waiting to see the crowd, and the fans that have always supported us I would urge them to come out again in large numbers and support the girls.”

Should Kenya prevail, a meeting with either Uganda or Zimbabwe awaits between 22-31 May.