- Cameroon scored their goal in the first half after lack of concentration from the Junior Starlets players.
- Junior Starlets are seeking to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the second time in a row.
- The aggregate winner between Junior Starlets and Cameroon will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The Kenyan national U17 girls football team, Junior Starlets, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the first leg of the 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup qualifier encounter.
Junior Starlets started the match on a high, creating some goal scoring chances that they failed to utilize.
Nonetheless, as the proceedings went on, Cameroon grew into the game and started to dominate the midfield at the expense of the Junior Starlets.
Cameroon take the lead against Junior Starlets
The splendid display by the Baby Lionesses enabled them to take the lead in the 25th minute of the game that was staged at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The goal came after lack of communication from the Junior Starlets players allowed a Cameroonian attacker to head the ball past the helpless Kenyan goalkeeper Velma Awour.
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After the goal, Junior Starlets tried to look for an equalizer but Cameroon did not give them any room to penetrate.
The situation forced Kenyan head coach Mildred Cheche to make a substitution, replacing Brenda Achieng with Lindey Weey Atieno with about 15 minutes remaining to the end of the first half.
Despite the tactical change, Junior Starlets ended the first half trailing their West African opponents 1-0.
Junior Starlets cause Cameroon problems in the second half
At the start of the second half, Cheche made another substitution, this time round introducing Mitshel Waithera in place of Jenevieve Mithel.
Shortly after being introduced, Waithera unleashed a powerful shot that hit the cross bar before being saved by Cameroon goalkeeper.
Waithera had another golden opportunity to find an equalizer for Junior Starlets in the 48th minute but her decision making let her down, allowing Cameroon goalkeeper to make a brilliant save.
Junior Starlets continued to apply constant pressure to the Cameroon backline as games proceeded.
Cheche made the third substitution of the match in the 78th minute, bringing in Patience Asiko in place of Joan Ogola. Unfortunately, the Cameroonians were able to hold on to their slim and secure a crucial 1-0 victory.
The Kenyan youngsters will now return to the drawing board and prepare for the second leg fixture that is planned to be played in Yaounde on Friday, April 25.
The aggregate winner between Junior Starlets and Cameroon will book a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U17 Girls World Cup set to be held in Morocco between October 17 and November 8.
How Junior Starlets lined up against Cameroon
Junior Starlets’ starting 11
Velma Abwire, Jenevieve Mithel, Judith Nandwa, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Ochaka, Halima Imbachi, Edinah Nasipwondi, Mwanakombo Bakari, Brenda Achieng, Joyangela Valencia, Joan Ogola
Junior Starlets’ subs
Scovia Awour, Patience Asiko, Faith Boke, Brigit Maria, Lindey Weey Atieno, Anifa Bakari, Mitshel Waithera
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