Kenya U17 on the cusp of FIFA U17 World Cup qualification after edging South Africa

The national under-17 women's football side, Junior Starlets have one foot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup after brushing aside South Africa 2-0 in the third and final qualification round of the global tourney.

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A goal in either half from Faith Boke and Brenda Achieng secured the crucial away victory in a game staged at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, on Saturday, 4 July.

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With both sides seeking an early advantage in the two-legged tie, the contest began cautiously before South Africa carved out the first clear opportunity after 10 minutes. Ava Jacobs latched onto a well-worked pass from Rethabile Molefe but fired wide from close range.

Kenya responded almost immediately as Brenda Achieng burst through on goal after a perfectly weighted pass from Lindey Atieno, only to see her effort sail narrowly over the crossbar with goalkeeper Dineo Mafumo beaten.

The hosts continued to threaten through Karabo Khoza and Jacobs, but it was Kenya who struck against the run of play in the 23rd minute when Faith Boke calmly found the back of the net to silence the home crowd.

South Africa were handed a golden chance to restore parity moments later after earning a penalty, but captain Koketso Malebana saw her spot-kick brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo.

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Defender Nokwanda Paradzayi also came close before the break, but her header drifted just wide as Kenya held onto their slender lead.

After a balanced start to the second half, South Africa again threatened through Wanga Havene before Atieno forced a smart save from Mafumo with a powerful free-kick.

Kenya then dealt the decisive blow in the 70th minute as the lively Brenda Achieng finished clinically to double the visitors' advantage.

The hosts pushed for a way back into the contest, but Okoyo remained resolute in goal, while Kenya also threatened a third through Pauline Namisi late on.

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The victory gives the Junior Starlets a significant cushion ahead of the return leg at Nyayo National Stadium next Saturday, with Cheche's charges now just one match away from securing a second FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup appearance.