The Kenya U17 women’s football team, Junior Starlets, suffered a 3-0 defeat against North Korea in their second Group C match on Sunday night at the ongoing U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Following the results of the match played at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, the Junior Starlets’ cannot advance past the group stages with North Korea and England on six points yet they are only left with one game.
North Korea, the 2008 and 2016 champions, started the match as expected with high pressure, but the Kenyan girls initially defended well as they denied them early scoring opportunities.
In the sixth minute, Kenya had a promising counter-attack opportunity when Marion Serenge’s cross that was aimed for Valarie Nekesa was intercepted before it could reach its target.
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However, North Korea soon capitalized on a free kick in the 7th minute, with SO Ryu Gyong launching a powerful shot from outside the box that found the back of the net, giving the North Koreans an early lead.
Just three minutes later, Gyong doubled the scores, from a well-placed strike.
In the 23rd minute, North Korea made another attempt that went over the bar from CHOE Yon’s header.
They continued to apply pressure, with JON II Chong hitting the bar on a dangerous shot, and CHOE Rim missing a rebound header.
As the first half drew to a close, the Kenyan team tried to create chances to score but struggled to hold possession.
The first half concluded with Kenya trailing 2-0, a challenging gap to overcome in the second half.
The second half began similarly, with Korea’s CHOE Yon hitting the bar again to deny them a third goal.
A few minutes later, Kenya had a significant chance but could not convert, providing a glimmer of hope.
In the 57th minute, Marion Serenge had a close shot that went wide as Kenya began to dominate possession.
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Mildred Cheche made tactical changes, substituting Valarie Nekesa for Kimberly Akinyi in hopes of strengthening the defense.
However, Korea scored again in the 85th minute with a header from R Kyung following a corner, despite a brilliant save from Velma Abwire minutes earlier.
In the closing moments, Korea continued to create chances, disappointing the debutants as they now look forward to facing Mexico in their final match, while Korea DPR will take on England.
Kenya U17 Results
Kenya 0-2 England
Kenya 0-3 North Korea
Kenya vs Mexico – 24 October
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