Junior Starlets hit camp ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier

National Under-17 women’s national football team, the Junior Starlets, are in residential training as preparations begin in earnest for a high-stakes double-header against Uganda in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

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Junior Starlets, are eying a second consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance after a historic debut in the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic.

Starlets bundled out Namibia 7-1,on aggregate, in the first round to proceed to the second round with the first leg scheduled for Friday, 22 May at FUFA Stadium in Kabaka, Uganda, while the return fixture is set for Saturday, 30 May at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

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On Monday, 4 May, head coach Mildred Cheche named a 30-player provisional squad for the two-legged qualifier. She is, however, expected trim the number to 23 ahead of the two games.

"It will be a very tough match but we will prepare well for it," the tactician said ahead of the preparations. "I believe in my players, they are very talented and ready to face the challenge. The dream is qualify again for the World Cup."

With a squad largely retaining the core group of players who delivered in the dominant performance, against Namibia, the technical bench trusts the team, that has already shown cohesion, will surmount Uganda's pressure to return to the global competition.

In 2024, Junior Starlets etched their name in Kenyan football history by becoming the first national team, men or women, to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.

They achieved this incredible feat by defeating Burundi 5-0. In 2025, the team missed out after falling to Cameroon in the final round of qualification.

Progression past Uganda, later this month, would push the Junior Starlets into the final qualification round, where either Tanzania or South Africa await.

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Provisional Junior Starlets Squad

Goalkeepers: Vallary Achieng, Wekhomba Martha, Mishel Ng'ono

Defenders: Pauline Namisi, Daisy Adongo, Sheila Atieno, Rose Nangila Wanyonyi, Grace Mumo, Idah Mobutu, Florence Mboya, Jael Nanjala, Valary Achieng

Midfielders: Bevarline Awuor, Lindey Weey Atieno, Brenda Awuor, Gaudencia Maloba, Fleviah Khatenje, Tabitha Wambui, Mwanakombo Bakari, Beryl Awuor, Grace Wangari

Forwards: Patience Waithira, Brenda Achieng, Martha Musimbi, Emily Adhiambo, Khadija Furaha, Boke Faith, Ivy Atieno, Rochelle Faith, Elizabeth Alizeba