U-20 WC: FKF commits to creating winning culture as Rising Starlets brace for Tanzania clash
By Joel Masibo, February 11, 2026Football Kenya Federation, led by President Hussein Mohammed, has committed to creating a winning culture at the national teams as the Rising Starlets, Kenya’s Under-20 women’s national football team, arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, ahead of the highly anticipated return leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie.
The team heads to Tanzania in with confidence, determination and national support as they seek to build on a hard-earned 1-0 advantage from the first leg played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Narrow home advantage
In their third-round opener at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, the Rising Starlets secured a 1-0 victory over Tanzania, courtesy of a late strike by Elizabeth Mideva in the 85th minute. The result gives Kenya a slim but meaningful edge heading into the decisive second leg scheduled for February 14 at the Azam Sports Complex.
The match exemplified both the Starlets’ resilience and tactical discipline. Kenya dominated possession and created multiple opportunities, but were forced to wait until the closing stages of the game to break the deadlock. The victory, though narrow, reflects a mature and measured approach from the young squad under pressure.
A journey marked by progress
The build-up to this pivotal tie reflects the Rising Starlets’ upward trajectory in the qualifiers. Earlier in the campaign, Kenya produced a commanding performance against Ethiopia, winning 4-0 in the return leg to book their spot in the third round with a 5-1 aggregate success. That emphatic win showcased the team’s attacking quality and cohesion, with standout contributions from players such as Valerie Nekesa, Fasila Odhiambo, and Mideva.
FKF’s winning culture
Taking to social media on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, FKF President Hussein Mohammed publicly affirmed the federation’s commitment to cultivating a winning culture across national teams. In a recent statement, Mohammed emphasised that Kenya’s football ambitions extend beyond mere qualification:
“At Football Kenya Federation, we’re dedicated to creating a winning culture! Our mission goes beyond qualification; we aspire to see our national teams compete among the world’s best on the global stage,” he said.
He highlighted that this mission is a collective effort, powered through strategic partnerships with high-performing nations. These collaborations aim to strengthen all facets of the game, from coaching and fitness training to video analysis, medical support, and player development, ensuring that Rising Starlets are equipped with world-class tools to drive sustained progress.
Should they advance, Kenya will edge closer to clinching a historic place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, a milestone that would underscore the progress of women’s football in the country. The second leg, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, will be played at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.