Kenya’s Junior Starlets have booked their place in the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after holding Uganda to a goalless draw in the second leg of their qualifier played on Saturday.
The two East African rivals battled to a 0-0 stalemate, but Kenya advanced on the away goals rule after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. The Junior Starlets had secured a crucial away goal in the first leg, which ultimately proved decisive in separating the two sides.
Despite intense pressure from the hosts, the Kenyan girls displayed great discipline and resilience throughout the match, keeping Uganda at bay and protecting the result they needed to progress.
The qualification marks another significant milestone for Kenya’s youth women’s football program, which continues to make strides on the continental stage.
The Junior Starlets will now face the winner of the final qualifying tie between South Africa and Tanzania. South Africa head into the return leg with a commanding 2-0 advantage from the first match and will host Tanzania in the decisive fixture on home soil.
A victory in the final qualification round will see Kenya secure a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, bringing them one step closer to another historic appearance on the global stage.
Football fans across the country will now be eagerly awaiting confirmation of Kenya’s next opponents as the Junior Starlets continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
