- The Junior Starlets vs Cameroon U17 match is set to kick off at 15:00 hrs at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
- The winner on aggregate will secure a coveted spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Morocco.
- Coach Mildred Cheche remains confident that, despite both teams being strong, her side will find a way to outsmart the opposition.
Kenya’s U17 Junior Starlets are on the cusp of securing consecutive FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup appearances as they face African powerhouse Cameroon U17 on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in the first leg of the third-round qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium (15:00hrs).
The return leg will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé. The winner on aggregate will earn a coveted spot in the global tournament slated to be held in Morocco.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s charges have maintained impressive form, building on their 2024 World Cup qualification triumph in the Dominican Republic.
They cruised past Uganda in the second round with a commanding 5-0 aggregate win. In the first leg, the Starlets overcame Uganda 2-0, thanks to goals from Edinah Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola.
The return leg, held at Ulinzi Complex, saw a thrilling 3-0 victory, highlighted by a brace from Brenda Ochieng and a clinical finish by Patience Asiko.
Meanwhile, Cameroon advanced to this round after dismantling Egypt with a 6-0 aggregate and brushing aside Ethiopia 6-2.
Their dominant run underscores their status as one of the most formidable teams in the qualifiers. Cameroon will be eager to return to the global stage, having last featured in the U17 Women’s World Cup in 2018.
Mildred Cheche makes a statement ahead of the match
Speaking during their final training session at Nyayo Stadium, Coach Mildred Cheche emphasized the intensity of the upcoming clash.
“We expect a highly competitive match tomorrow because Cameroon is a strong opponent, and we are not an easy side either. It will be a tactical battle, and the better-prepared side will prevail,” Cheche told journalists on Saturday.
Cheche acknowledged the balance of strength between the two sides and expressed confidence in her squad’s tactical preparedness.
“We only lost to their U20 side, at the senior level, I think we won. The U17 stage is a different ball game. These young players rely more on individual brilliance than tactical awareness, so our goal is to outsmart them with strategy,” she explained.
ALSO READ: Junior Starlets beat Uganda to set up third-round World Cup qualifier with Cameroon
Cameroon U17 assistant captain beat up
On the other hand, Cameroon U17 assistant captain Mabou Jessica conveyed confidence in her team’s readiness to triumph away from home. She insisted this is their moment to shine on the world stage.
“We are fully prepared for tomorrow’s match. We know what lies ahead and we’re bringing our fighting spirit,” she said during their final training at Nyayo Stadium.
She brushed off Kenya’s previous qualification, stating:
“We’re not concerned about their 2024 success. That was their chance. This time, it’s Cameroon’s turn.”
Jessica also emphasized the team’s mental readiness, despite the challenges of playing away from home.
“Psychologically, we’re well-prepared. We know the fans won’t be on our side, but we’re focused. Regardless of Kenya’s support, we came here to do our job and fight for victory.”
The Junior Starlets remain unbeaten in their last six World Cup qualifiers, having not conceded a single goal while collecting five wins. They will be looking to extend their remarkable run against Cameroon.
Junior Starlets possible line up
Velma Abwire, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa, Jenevive Mithel, Halima Imbachi (Captain), Brenda Awour, Lindey Weey, Joan Ogola, Patience Asiko, Edinah Nasipwondi.