Junior Starlets eye Somalia scalp after obliterating Sudan 16-0
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 15.06.26. | 07:32
Somalia faces the free-scoring Kenyan girls on the back of a 4-0 defeat to Tanzania
Junior Starlets will continue their CECAFA U17 Championship campaign on Monday afternoon when they face Somalia at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the target of securing maximum points.
Kenya heads into the match full of confidence after a record-breaking start to their campaign on Saturday, when they registered a 16-0 victory over Sudan.
The match was stopped at the hour mark after several Sudan players picked up injuries, leaving the team with fewer than seven players required to continue.
While the circumstances surrounding the stoppage drew mixed reactions in some quarters, the result stood and went down as one of the most dominant wins in Kenyan football history at international level.
Somalia, on the other hand, also made their tournament debut on Saturday.
Despite a 4-0 defeat to hosts Tanzania, the debutants were widely praised for their spirited performance, which many saw as a promising foundation for their development.
They face a stern challenge against a free-scoring and confident Kenyan side coached by Mildred Cheche.
Kenya arrived in Tanzania on Friday morning after postponing their travel by a day due to logistical challenges in assembling a squad largely made up of school-going players. Some players only linked up with the team hours before departure.
Head coach Mildred Cheche expressed satisfaction with her side’s attacking display against Sudan, especially their improved finishing.
“The game was good, the girls did well especially in the first half. The second half, due to medical reasons from Sudan which we understand, the welfare of the players has to come first and so even if the game ended prematurely we are still okay as sports people,” Cheche said.
“The goals are important. It was important to score because we have been creating chances but not converting them, so it was good that we found the back of the net in that game.”
The CECAFA U17 Championship comes at a crucial stage for the Junior Starlets.
Beyond competing for regional honours, the tournament offers an important platform to build cohesion, refine tactical structures, and gain valuable competitive experience ahead of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying clash against South Africa.
Coach Cheche and her technical bench will also use the remaining group matches to further assess the squad before shifting full focus to the decisive World Cup qualification assignment.
Kenya will conclude their group-stage campaign against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday.
Kenya U17 squad in Tanzania
Goalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo, Martha Wekhomba, Vallary Achieng.
Defenders: Namisi Pauline, Jael Nanjala, Boke Faith, Atieno Sheila, Grace Mumo, Bevarline Awuor.
Midfielders: Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Khatenje Fleviah, Noelina Akuku, Brenda Awuor, Grace Chari, Gaudancia Maloba, Lindey Weey Atieno.
Forwards: Brenda Achieng, Elizabeth Alizeba, Patience Waithira, Emily Adhiambo, Wambui Tabitha, Elizabeth Awuor.
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