Brenda Ochieng came off the bench, scoring a brace to help Kenya’s U17 women’s side, the Junior Starlets, advance to the third round of the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after defeating Uganda 3-0 in the second leg of the tournament on Sunday afternoon at the newly renovated Nyayo International Stadium.
Brilliant goals from Patience Osiko in the first half and Brenda Ochieng’s superb brace in the second half were enough to make a strong statement, as they added the two goals from the first leg in Uganda, bringing the aggregate to 5-0.
This secured Kenya’s qualification for the next round, where they will face Cameroon.
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Junior Starlets’ head coach Mildred Cheche, determined to secure the victory, made two tactical changes, introducing Patience Osiko and Brenda Awour in place of Brenda Ochieng and MwanaKombo Bakari.
These changes paid off when Patience Osiko nearly gave the national team the lead after she had a chance, but her effort was deflected, giving the visitors an advantage.
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However, it was in the 4th minute that Osiko demonstrated why Cheche had chosen her, as she made a brilliant run and, in a moment of great composure, found the back of the net to give Kenya the lead.
Patience and Joan Ogola combined well and could have extended Kenya’s lead with a few attempts, but their shots went off target.
With ten minutes remaining in the first half, Uganda had gained momentum and, just five minutes before the break, they came close to an equalizer, with two fouls awarded to them.
However, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities.
The first half ended with Kenya leading 1-0, with an aggregate score of 3-0.
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The second half began with Kenya pushing for a second goal.
Weey Otieno attempted a long-range shot, but Uganda’s goalkeeper, Haira Nabbosa, denied her a chance to double Kenya’s lead, resulting in an advantageous corner for the Junior Starlets.
Patience Osiko came close to scoring her brace in the 55th minute, but her counterplay was intercepted just before she could take the shot.
Nevertheless, Cheche would be thankful for her starting performance, as she dominated throughout the match.
Shortly afterward, Nasipwondi Edinah had an opportunity to add her name to the score sheet, but her shot went wide, missing the target.
Despite Coach Botes making changes to her squad, Kenya continued to dominate and create chances, though the scoreboard remained unchanged.
With just four minutes remaining before the final whistle, Kenya added their second goal, as Brenda Ochieng finished off a brilliant assist from Valencia Otieno, doubling Kenya’s lead.
It did not take long for Ochieng to make her mark again. In additional time, she made a decisive run in the box and, with remarkable composure, netted her second goal, completing her brace.
This extended Kenya’s lead to 3-0, making a bold statement as they advanced to the next round, where they will face Cameroon on April 25, 2025.
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Teams XI
Junior Starlets: Velma Abwire, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa, Jenevive Mithel, Halima Imbachi (Captain), Brenda Awour, Lindey Weey, Joan Ogola, Patience Osiko, and Edinah Nasipwondi.
Uganda: Haira Nabbosa, Joyce Kainza, Halima Mupyanga, Zidah Asiimwe, Martha Babirye, Loyce Kamugisha, Agnes Nabukenya (Captain), Mariam Namataka, Charity Katusiime, Nasula Nakintu, Dorine Aujat.