Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche names final squad for Uganda qualifier
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 17.05.26. | 10:44
The Junior Starlets will face Uganda in a two-legged regional showdown, with the first leg scheduled for 22 May at FUFA Stadium before the return match takes place at Nyayo National Stadium on 30 May
Mildred Cheche has named her final Junior Starlets national squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda's Teen Cranes.
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The Junior Starlets will face Uganda in a two-legged regional showdown, with the first leg scheduled for 22 May at FUFA Stadium before the return match takes place at Nyayo National Stadium on 30 May.
Cheche has largely retained the squad that eliminated Namibia in the previous qualification round, making only three changes ahead of the crucial fixtures.
Defender Rose Nangila misses out after undergoing surgery and failing to report to camp, while Lindey Weey has also been ruled out with an injury expected to keep her sidelined for at least two weeks.
In response, Cheche has drafted in Daisy Adongo and Grace Wangari to reinforce the squad.
Adongo is expected to strengthen the defensive department, while Wangari provides additional creativity in attacking midfield.
Noelina Akuku has also been included, with the versatile midfielder capable of operating in both attacking and defensive roles.
The Junior Starlets are expected to travel to Uganda on Tuesday, 19 May, before returning home on 23 May after the first-leg clash.
Earlier in the week, Butere Girls defender Faith Boke and Madira Girls midfielder Tabitha Wambui expressed confidence that Kenya can once again overcome Uganda and continue their push for another FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
“We are not going to let you down. The team's motivation is to go to the World Cup. Last year, we faced different opponents, and this year too, but Uganda is the only side we faced last year and are facing again this year, so we want to get the job done and see who our next opponents will be,” said Boke.
Wambui also underlined the importance of another qualification campaign, saying it would inspire more young girls across the country to pursue football.
“The camp has been good, we are training well, and the team is ready. We are fighting because qualifying for the World Cup will mean a lot to me. It will continue motivating other girls and me to keep working hard to achieve our goals,” she added.
With a place in the next qualification round at stake, Kenya will be aiming to build on the momentum from their dominant aggregate victory over Namibia as they continue their journey towards another FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification.
Junior Starlets squad
Goalkeepers:
Ng'ono Mishel, Wekhomba Martha, Vallary Achieng
Defenders:
Namisi Pauline, Brenda Awuor, Faith Boke, Sheila Atieno, Daisy Adongo, Iddah Mobutu, Grace Mumo
Midfielders:
Bevarline Awuor, Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Fleviah Khatenje, Grace Wangari, Noelina Akuku
Forwards:
Brenda Achieng, Patience Waithira, Emilly Adhiambo, Tabitha Wambui, Ivy Atieno, Elizabeth Alizeba, Gaudencia Maloba