Junior Starlets’ CECAFA title dreams dashed by clinical Uganda
By Luke Oluoch, June 21, 2026The Kenya Junior Starlets’ push for the regional CECAFA U17 title came to a crushing end following a 3-0 defeat to reigning champions Uganda at Tanzania’s KMC Stadium on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Justine Ayerango was the Starlets’ chief tormentor, sealing the Teen Cranes‘ performance with a final nail in the coffin.
Shadia Nabirye got the Kenyans reeling from a poor start six minutes in, before Immaculate Achen doubled the advantage before the break.
The loss was confirmed in the added time as Ayerango’s close-range header sealed Mildred Cheche’s side’s fate in the competition.
The Kenyan youngsters now await the loser of the second semifinal, pitting hosts Tanzania and South Sudan, whom they will play in the third-place playoff.
Junior Starlets were using the competition as preparation for the upcoming U17 World Cup qualifiers.
Both sides had entered the decisive knockout match on unbeaten streaks, but it was the Teen Cranes—coached by Sheryl Botes—who proved far superior to their Kenyan counterparts.
Group stage controversy
The buildup to the encounter was marred by controversy. Kenya, who had thrashed Sudan 16-0 during the group stage, saw that victory voided after the match was officially declared abandoned. The ruling forced Kenya to settle for second place in Group A, setting up a daunting clash against Group B winners and defending champions, Uganda.
The resounding victory saw Sheryl Botes’ side avenge their recent elimination from the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where Kenya had edged them out on the away-goals rule earlier this month.
Tactical masterclass
While lauding her charges for the dominant win, Botes shared her dream of defending the regional title and her broader goal of transforming youth football in Uganda.
“We knew Kenya would resort to long balls in the second half, so we made a plan to contain them from the midfield,” Botes explained. “We wanted to win. We knew they were tough, but we also knew we could beat them because of the high confidence within our team. We had practised penalties, but we wanted to prove we could beat them in open play.”
Looking ahead to the tournament’s showpiece, Botes added: “I want to change how we play football. Now we look ahead to playing Tanzania in the final. Tanzania has a strong midfield, and as the hosts, we will have to come up with a solid plan for them.”