The Kenya U17 women’s national football side, Junior Starlets, are poised to take on Mexico at the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in their last match in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Thursday morning.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s hope in the final battle is not only to get her first goal of the tournament but to beat Mexico in order to clinch third place in Group C that was dominated by England and North Korea who progressed to the quarterfinals.
The Starlets suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening match against England and fell to a 3-0 loss against North Korea in their second match.
Similarly, Mexico had a tough tournament, losing 4-1 to North Korea and 4-2 to England.
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Ahead of the match, forward Valarie Nekesa acknowledged the challenges of the previous fixtures but expressed the team’s commitment to secure at least one win against Mexico.
“For the previous matches, the opponents were tough. We did not get the results we wanted but in this game against Mexico, we are going to give our best and aim to take the three points so we don’t exit the tournament with nothing,” she said.
Marion Serenge, who has been outstanding throughout the tournament, stated that the team is determined not to disappoint in their final match.
“In this last match, we will make sure to secure the three points and avoid finishing last in Group C. We promise to make our country proud,” she said.
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She added that the World Cup experience has been both rewarding and challenging, but the team has given their all and followed the coaches’ guidance.
“It has been tough, but we have been working hard and following the coaches’ advice,” she added.
Team captain Elizabeth Ochaka noted that while their journey has been rewarding, they faced teams with more experience.
However, this being their first World Cup, they have proven their capability, and she hopes some of the players will be scouted.
“For a team to reach the World Cup is not easy. The other teams we have faced have been competing for 2-3 years but for us, it was our first time and we showed them that we are capable,” she said.
“As we prepare to play Mexico, I know there will be scouts watching us. We understand the game but we just need a few more touches to polish our skills.”
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Kenya U17 Starlets Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor
Defenders
Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango
Midfielders
Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia
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