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Kenya U17 girls eliminate Uganda to close in on World Cup berth
30th May, 2026 06:14 PM
Kenya U17 girls’ team has inched closer to securing a coveted appearance in the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after eliminating Uganda’s counterparts, Teen Cranes, on an away goal rule after a 0-0 draw at home in Nyayo National Stadium.
The two sides fought out a plucky draw at Nyayo Stadium, leaving Kenya to ride on a priceless equaliser from Emily Adhiambo in the first-leg encounter in Uganda that also ended in a 1-1 draw.
The road to another successful campaign remains with only a game away as Mildred Cheche’s side dares to dream of another World Cup qualification
The side will now face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final qualifying round for a place in the finals.
South Africa holds a 2-0 advantage against the Tanzanians heading into Sunday, May 31, 2026, return leg on home soil.
Coaches’ sentiments
Speaking after the clash, Uganda’s coach Sheryl Botes acknowledged the improvement registered by her charges in what she described as a tough encounter against the Kenyans.
“This has been a huge improvement. The margin of error was minimal; it could have gone either way. Despite not getting the result, I am happy with the performance,” Botes said. “The goal came from a mistake, the kind you cannot teach against. It gave Kenya the ultimate advantage. Today they blocked us from the middle, preventing us from getting into the final third, and ultimately got us eliminated.”
Her counterpart, Mildred Cheche, extolled her girls for getting over the line as she rallied them for the next challenge.
“The game was tight, and we have ultimately made it through on the away-goal rule. We will now face either Tanzania or South Africa, both of whom are equally tough opponents. We will devise ways of trying to maximise our home advantage when we host them,” Cheche said.
Awuor’s heroics
The coach also hailed a standout performance from the Starlets’ skipper, Beverlyne Awuor, who marshalled the defense line with a valiant performance.
“Beverly was outstanding; she has been the difference despite being played out of position. She gave us what we needed. I am grateful for his performance,” she added.
Junior Starlets’ journey began with an emphatic win over Namibia.
Goals from Lindey Weey Atieno and Faith Boke inspired Mildred Cheche’s side to a crucial away victory in their first test before the girls finished off the job in the return leg to set up the clash against Uganda.
The 2026 girls’ edition is scheduled to take place later in 2026 following FIFA’s transition to making the tournament an annual event with an expanded 24-team format.
The tournament will run from October 17, 2026, to November 7, 2026.
