Junior Starlets leave Uganda smiling after win

After getting a bye in the first round of qualifiers thanks to their impressive show last year, Junior Starlets on Saturday began the road to the 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup with a resounding 2-0 win over Uganda Teen Cranes.

The victory gives Starlets an upper hand ahead of the second leg tie to be played at home. Kenyans are looking to secure their second appearance having made their debut last year.

The aggregate winner will play the Ethiopia or Cameroon for a place in the 2025 event to be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Despite playing away at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, the Kenyans driven by the desire to return to the global showpiece gave their all to ensure that they leave Kampala with one leg in the last round.

Starlets coach Mildred Cheche seemed to have done her homework well compared to her Cranes equal Sheryl Botes, as Starlets destroyed Uganda’s game plan completely denying them any chance of shining at home.

The Junior Starlets defence of Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa and Jenevive Mithel remained solid making it difficult for the home girls to make any meaningful attempt on goal.

The Kenyans would paralyse the Uganda offence led by captain Agnes Nabukenya who had fired six goals past Namibia goalkeeper in their 10-0 first leg win of the first-round qualifier.

In offence, Starlets were lethal with speed and precision they tormented the Ugandan defence who lacked a clear strategy of containing them.

The duo of Joan Ogola and Ednah Nasipwondi was impressive making good runs that would keep Ugandan defenders and goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa busy throughout the game.

The midfield was well marshalled by captain Halima Imbachi, Brenda Achieng, Lindy Weey Atieno and Mwanakombo Bakari who ensured that the Ugandans did not possess the ball long enough to threaten their backline.

Starlets outplayed their hosts in all departments for the better part of the first half. Their efforts paid off in the 36th minute that they finally broke the Uganda defence with Nasipwondi Teen Cranes Nabbosa to give Kenya a 1-0 lead. Ogola would give Starlets a 2-0 advantage seconds to half-time.

Kenya continued to control the game in the second half overshadowing their opponents to silence home crowds.

Cranes would step up to play with urgency and push for an equaliser but their efforts were thwarted by the Kenyan defence and goalkeeper Velma Abwire who made several saves.

The Ugandan trio of Nabukenya, Nusulah Nakintu and Martha Babirye intensified their hunt for a consolation goal but the Kenyans would not let them break their defence forcing them to go into the second leg with a two goals deficit.