Kenya Junior Starlets Qualify for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup
Kenya starlets under 17 team
Kenya’s Historic Achievement
The Kenya Under-17 women’s team made history on Sunday. They became the first national team from Kenya to qualify for a football World Cup. This momentous achievement followed their 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Dominant Victory Over Burundi
Kenya’s decisive victory over Burundi sealed their qualification. They carried a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg played in Addis Ababa. The second leg, held in Nairobi, saw a sellout crowd pack the stadium, anticipating a historic win.
Early Lead and Commanding Performance
Marion Serenge opened the scoring in the 17th minute, giving Kenya an early lead. Just four minutes later, Valerie Nekesa doubled the advantage. Kenya maintained their dominance, ending the match with a 2-0 win and a 5-0 aggregate victory.
Joy and Celebration
The crowd erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew. Kenya’s historic qualification for the World Cup was a moment of immense pride. The Junior Starlets’ performance inspired the nation and marked a significant milestone in Kenyan football.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s Reaction
“It’s a big moment in Kenya,” said Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche at the post-match press conference. She expressed pride in her team for making history and being the first to qualify for the World Cup. Cheche noted the team’s depth and motivation to perform well at the global tournament.
Technical Bench’s Pride
Cheche highlighted the importance of this achievement for the players, the technical bench, and the country. She emphasized their motivation to excel at the World Cup. Cheche believes her team has the potential to perform well on the global stage.
Football Kenya Federation’s Response
The historic qualification was a moment to savor for Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa. He stated the achievement rewarded his administration’s focus on women’s football. Mwendwa expressed pride in the team’s journey and the growth of women’s football in Kenya.
Reward for Ten Years of Effort
“It’s a great day,” Mwendwa said. He emphasized that this achievement had been in the works for ten years. In 2016, Kenya’s women made their first appearance at the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. Mwendwa noted women’s football in Kenya as the biggest area of growth.
Overcoming ChallengesKenya missed the last senior women’s World Cup due to a suspension. Despite this setback, the federation chief expressed confidence in the Junior Starlets. “The girls are not there yet but they know how to win,” he added.
Joining Elite African Teams
Kenya joins Nigeria and Zambia as the three African teams set to compete in the Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The tournament will take place in the Dominican Republic in October. Kenya’s qualification marks a significant achievement for East African football.
East Africa’s Rising Stars
The Junior Starlets are the second East African team to qualify for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup. Tanzania achieved this milestone in the 2022 finals held in India. Kenya’s qualification reflects the rising prominence of East African teams in women’s football.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
As the Junior Starlets prepare for the World Cup, they carry the hopes of a nation. Their historic qualification has inspired many and marked a new chapter in Kenyan football. The team aims to perform well and make their country proud on the global stage.
Building on Success
The success of the Junior Starlets underscores the potential of women’s football in Kenya. It highlights the importance of continued investment and support for the sport. The team’s journey to the World Cup serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
Nationwide Celebration
The entire country celebrates the Junior Starlets’ achievement. The team’s success has brought joy and pride to Kenya. As they prepare for the World Cup, the nation stands behind them, ready to support their journey.
A Historic Milestone
Kenya’s Under-17 women’s team has made history by qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Their 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi secured their place in the tournament. This historic achievement reflects the growth of women’s football in Kenya and the team’s potential on the global stage.
