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Kenyan girls hopeful despite loss to Cameroon in U-17 World Cup qualifiers
Joyangela Valencia (right) of Kenya dribbles under pressure from Cameroonian defender Ngassa Yolande during their Fifa Under 17 World Cup qualifying match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on April 20, 2025.
What you need to know:
- The early goal put Kenya on the back foot with the Starlets squandering several goal-scoring opportunities in the match.
- The aggregate winner of the two-leg tie will secure a spot in 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup to be played in Morocco.
Kenya Under-17 women's national team remain optimistic of securing a World Cup berth despite suffering a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in first leg of the final round of qualifiers on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Cameroon scored the all-important goal in the 13th minute via striker Tiwa Milong from a corner kick delivered by Karen Indule.
The loss has left Junior Starlets with a mountain to climb in the return fixture on Friday at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The stakes are incredibly high, as the aggregate winner of the two-leg qualifiers will secure a spot in 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup to be played in Morocco from October 16 to November 3.
However, Starlets coach Mildred Cheche said her team is confident of turning the tables on Cameroon in the return leg.
Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche gestures from the touchline during the Fifa Under 17 World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Cameroon at Nyayo National Stadium on April 20, 2025.
"Playing away will be tough, but we have everything to play for, and they have everything to lose. My players are mentally tougher, as seen in the second half. Cameroon will face a tough opponent different from who they faced today," Cheche said.
Chehe opted for a tactical change in match, making three changes to the starting lineup that had previously taken on Uganda in a 5-0 aggregate win in the second round last month.
Midfielder Bakari Mwanakombo, Joy Angela Valencia, and Brenda Achieng got starting berths, replacing Lindey Weey Atieno, Patience Asiko and Brenda Awuor respectively.
Velma Abwire retained her position in goal with Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa, and Jenivive Mithel providing defensive cover.
Captain Halima Imbachi took charge of the midfield, partnering Valencia, Mwanakombo, and Achieng. The duo of Joan Ogola and Edinah Nasipwondi spearheaded the attack.
The early goal put Kenya on the back foot with the Starlets squandering several goal-scoring opportunities in the match.
Just before Cameroon scored Achieng wasted a golden opportunity when she came one-on-one with Cameroonian goalkeeper Fatima Ngamiya.
Kenya's Bakari Mwanakombo (left) goes down from a tackle by Cameroon's Chelsy Ngong during their Fifa Under 17 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on April 20, 2025.
In an effort to reinvigorate Kenya’s attack, Cheche introduced Atieno for Achieng in the 32nd minute, but Cameroon’s defence stood firm.
In the second half, coach Cheche introduced Mitshel Waithera for Valencia in midfield, and it nearly paid off.
Waithera come close to scoring shortly after her introduction, only to see her shot strike the crossbar. She had another opportunity to draw Kenya level in the 50th minute, but Ngassa blocked her shot.
Ogola also missed a scoring opportunity in the 55th minute of the match, further compounding Kenya's frustrations in front of goal.
In the 75th minute as Kenya pushed for the elusive equalizer, Cheche brought on striker Asiko for Ogola.
As the game wore on, the West Africans resorted to time-wasting tactics with Milong receiving a yellow card for wasting time in the dying minutes of the match.