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Junior Starlets begin quest for second World Cup appearance
Junior Starlets' Lorna Faith controls the ball, watched by Halima Imbachi and Valary Nekesa during a past training session at Moi International Sports, Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- The winner of the tie will face either Cameroon or Ethiopia in the final round of qualifiers in April.
- The Kenyan Under-17 Women's team received a first-round bye along with Zambia and Nigeria.
Kenya's Junior Starlets begin their campaign for a second appearance at the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup on Saturday away to Uganda.
The 2025 qualifiers second round first leg match will kick off at 4pm at the 35,000-capacity Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in the heart of Kampala.
The return leg is scheduled for March 16 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The winner of the tie will face either Cameroon or Ethiopia in the third and final round of qualifiers in April.
Kenya, coached by Mildred Cheche, received a first-round bye along with Zambia and Nigeria. The three nations played in the 2024 U-17 World Cup hosted by the Dominican Republic in October.
Uganda advanced to round two following an 18-0 aggregate demolition of Namibia.
The East African neighbours last faced each other in 2019 in the semi-finals of the U-17 Cecafa Championship in Kampala. Uganda beat Kenya 2-0 on their way to clinching the title.
"We expect a tough game, but we're well prepared with a game plan that we will execute. The team that prepares well will carry the day," Cheche said in the pre-match press conference on Friday.
Cheche will know all about this campaign. She wrote history by leading the Junior Starlets to the 2024 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Uganda is coached by South African Sheryl Botes, who was hired in 2023 on a two-year deal and also serves as the nation's senior women’s and Under-20 head coach.
"With eight days of preparation, we feel we can challenge Kenya, who will be coming to the match with World Cup experience," said Botes, a former Banyana Banyana player who also coached South Africa Under-20.
Captain Agnes Nabukenya of Kawempe Muslim Ladies Football Club and goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa are some of the players to watch in the Ugandan squad.
Meanwhile, Junior Starlets have a blend of experienced players and new talent. Returning from last year's World Cup squad are goalkeepers Scovia Awuor and Velma Abwire; strikers Imbachi, Mitshel Waithera, Joy Angela Valencia, and Joan Ogola; defenders Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevive Mithel, and Ochaka; and midfielder Lindy Weey.