Kenya’s U17 girls’ football team, the Junior Starlets, have returned home from Morocco with confidence and momentum after wrapping up their two-match tour with a well-earned 2-0 victory over the Moroccan U17 side. The friendly match, played on Monday at the prestigious Mohammed VI Sports Complex, showcased not only the team’s talent but also their growth and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg on Thursday, the young Kenyan girls stepped onto the pitch determined to finish strong. And they did exactly that. Mitshel Waithera opened the scoring with a composed finish, while Elizabeth Ochaka added a second to secure the win. The duo stood out in a spirited team performance that left a lasting impression on both the technical bench and fans.
Coach Mildred Cheche, who made only one change to her starting lineup—bringing in Lindley Weey Atieno to replace Brenda Achieng in midfield—was full of praise for her side. She emphasized the importance of the two friendlies, not just in terms of performance, but also in building team chemistry and confidence ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier.
“The Morocco friendlies were extremely helpful for the team,” Coach Cheche said after the match. “They allowed us to assess our match fitness and evaluate the quality of our players against a strong opponent. These matches gave us a clearer picture of where we stand as a team. They’ve been instrumental in preparing us for the upcoming challenge against Cameroon, who are not an easy side to face.”
These two matches were more than just warm-ups—they were a vital part of Kenya’s preparation for their final World Cup qualifying hurdle. The Junior Starlets are now gearing up to face Cameroon in a two-legged fixture that will determine who earns a spot at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
The first leg of the decisive tie will be played at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, April 20, while the return leg is set for April 25 in Yaoundé at Stade Olembe. The winner on aggregate will book their place at the global showpiece.
Having already knocked out Uganda in the previous round, the Starlets are chasing history as they seek to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup appearance. The squad’s resilience, hunger, and growing sense of belief have fans hopeful that they can rise to the occasion.
Their journey is not just about football—it’s about representing a nation, inspiring young girls across Kenya, and proving that with hard work and unity, dreams can become reality.
As they turn their focus to Cameroon, one thing is clear: the Junior Starlets are ready to fight for their place on the world stage.
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