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Junior Starlets make light work of Uganda to inch closer to U-17 World Cup
Junior Starlets players celebrate after scoring a goal against Uganda in the first leg of the second round of the 2025 Fifa Under 17 Women's World Cup qualifier at Nakuvubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala, on March 8, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Debutant Edinah Nasipwondi and midfielder Joan Ogola scored in the 36th minute and added time in the first half in Kenya's 2-0 win.
- The winner of this round will meet either Cameroon or Ethiopia for the ticket to this year’s final scheduled for Morocco later this year.
In the run-up to their 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifying second round first leg match against Uganda, Harambee Junior Starlets captain Halima Imbachi had the temerity to say she was confident of returning to the world finals.
Imbachi, who succeeded Elizabeth Ochaka as captain, played in the 2024 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where Kenya made their historical first appearance finishing third in Group “C” with three points.
“We were eliminated early in the group stages last time, but this year, we have what it takes to advance,” the Butere Girls High School student said.
The way Starlets dismantled Uganda 2-0 at Nakivubo Hamza Stadium in Kampala on Saturday, one could well forgive Imbachi for thinking well ahead of the final. Starlets could have won by a bigger margin.
Small wonder junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche has demanded more from her players when they host Uganda in the return leg match at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on March 16.
Debutant Edinah Nasipwondi and midfielder Joan Ogola scored in the 36th minute and added time in the first half, respectively for what ended up to be a comfortable win.
“We executed our plan to secure three points away, but we have more work to do for the return leg,” Cheche stated. “A two-goal lead isn’t enough. We need to score at least one more goal or more at home to secure a strong qualification.”
The winner of this round will meet either Cameroon or Ethiopia for the ticket to this year’s final scheduled for Morocco later this year.
Kenya received a first round bye along with Zambia and Nigeria, who had taken part in last year’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic in October.
Uganda advanced to round two following an 18-0 aggregate over Namibia.
Back to the match, seven of the starting 11 players had previous World Cup experience from the Dominican Republic last October, including goalkeeper Velma Abwire, defenders Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevive Mithel, and Ochaka, midfielder Lindy Weey and strikers Imbachi and Ogola.
While Judith Nandwa (defender), Anita Bakaria (midfielder), and Brenda Achieng and Nasipwondi (strikers) made their national team debuts.
Kenya showed their superior experience, dominating the early exchanges but found guilty of squandering several chances, finally broke through.
Nasipwondi missed a clear opportunity in the 12th minute, failing to score from inside the box. A promising counter-attack followed three minutes later, led by Brenda Achieng, but Uganda defender Martha Babirye intervened.
In the 20th minute, Weey fouled Doreen Aujot just outside the penalty box, but Agnes Nabukenya’s powerful free kick was unsuccessful.
Finally, in the 36th minute, Nasipwondi raced clear on the right wing, put through by Ochakas pass to beat the Ugandan goalie on her inner post.
In added time, Ogola doubled Kenya’s advantage, sweetly placing a left-footed shot into the far corner from Weey’s assist.
Cheche said she would focus on solidifying the defence and midfield for the home leg.
“With 90 minutes left, much is possible. Every player is crucial,” she said.