The Kenya U17 women’s national football team, Junior Starlets, made history early Friday morning after becoming the country’s first side to participate in a FIFA World Cup tournament.
The Mildred Cheche-coached side however fell short in their U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, losing 0-2 to England in the match played at the Estadio Cibao FC in the Dominican Republic.
Despite Kenya dominating much of the game especially in the second half, England secured their first win with a penalty goal from Lola Brown and a second goal from Lauryn Thompson.
The match kicked off with Valarie Nekesa getting a chance in the second minute, but her shot from the right wing was saved.
Later on, England’s Isabella Fisher had a chance to shoot from outside the box after missing another opportunity earlier, but that couldn’t change the scoreboard.
In the 27th minute, the center referee awarded England a penalty after defender Diana Anyango was penalized for a handball in the box.
Chelsea player Lola Brown took the penalty, giving England the opening goal.
Just before halftime, England created two additional chances but failed to score.
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In the second half, Laila Harbert brought down Nekesa in the opponent’s box, but after a video review, it was deemed a clean challenge, denying Kenya an opportunity to equalize.
Kenya came close in the 70th minute when Nekesa’s shot hit the side of the net.
In the 87th minute, Lauryn Thompson’s shot slipped past goalkeeper Velma, sealing England’s victory.
This defeat leaves Kenya in third position in their group behind leaders North Korea who triumphed 4-1 against Mexico
Kenya will face Korea in their next match on October 20 before concluding the group stage against Mexico on October 24.
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Kenya U17 starting XI against England
Velma Abwire (GK), Elizabeth Ochaka (C), Lorine Ilovanga, Diana Anyango, Christine Adhiambo, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Lorna Faith, Lindey Weey Atieno, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa.
Substitutes
Ephy Awuor, Kimberly Akinyi, Jenevive Mithel, Quinter Adhiambo, Velma Awuor, Pearl Olesi, Susan Akoth, Joan Ogola.
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