FIFA U17WCQ: D-day for Junior Starlets against South Africa in Pretoria
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 04.07.26. | 07:56
The two nations face each other in the third and final preliminary round, both with ambitions of qualifying to the global tourney
Kenya U17 Women's national team, Junior Starlets takes on South Africa in a decisive first of a two-legged clash today, Saturday 4 July at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, with a place in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.
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The two nations face each other in the third and final preliminary round, both with ambitions of qualifying to the global tourney.
Kenya qualified to the final round after eliminating neighbours Uganda, while South Africa triumphed over Tanzania with a 2-0 aggregate win.
Kenya will be seeking to make a return to the World Cup having made their maiden appearance in 2024, but missing out in the 2025 edition after being eliminated in the final round by Cameroon.
Ahead of the Saturday afternoon clash, Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche expressed confidence in her team's readiness for the crucial match.
“We have prepared well. The girls are very ready for tomorrow. We anticipate a difficult match but the girls are up to the task,” said Cheche.
While cognizant of the difficulty in playing away from home, Cheche disclosed that her team will come out boldly, rather than sit back and accord their opponents too much respect.
"In football, you cannot be cautious. 90 minutes is such a long time, and a lot can happen. Playing away is the toughest, so if we can pull through, that would be a great start for us,” she added.
Having missed her services in the qualifier against Uganda, Cheche will be pleased to welcome back influential midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno from injury.
“Having her back is great for us, although this is a team sport. She is such a talented player, and hopefully she delivers something for us,” she stated.
As for captain Beverline Awuor, she us eying to easen the burden of the second leg with a win in the first leg.
“Getting positive results away would be so good to us, as it will make it easier in the second leg, and reduce the pressure while playing at home,” she remarked.