- Cameroon hammered Junior Starlets 3-1 in the second leg of the final round of the 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup qualifier.
- Junior Starlets scored their goal via Elizabeth Ochaka in the 51st minute.
- Cameroon secured an aggregate 4-1 victory over Junior Starlets and in the process qualified for the 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup that will be held in Morocco later this year.
Junior Starlets hopes of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup ended on Friday night after a painful 3-1 defeat to Cameroon in a second leg tie that was played in West Africa.
Cameroon, who had beaten Junior Starlets 1-0 in the first leg encounter that took place at the Nyayo National Stadium last weekend, found themselves trailing the hosts within just seven minutes from the first whistle.
The Baby Lionesses scored their goal via Avana Beatrice after a mistake from the Kenyan backline to send their supporters into celebrations.
However, after going down at the earlier stages of the match that was staged at the Stade Olembe in Yaounde, Junior Starlets did not give up.
They attacked Cameroon and put them on difficult situations but they failed to convert their opportunities.
Junior Starlets’ best chance of the game came in the 28th minute but Joan Ogola’s shot did not trouble Baby Lionesses shot stopper.
In the 35th minute Kenya won a free kick which Mitshel Waithera fired into the Cameroonian wall before shooting the resultant rebound over the bar.
Despite the impressive display from Kenya in the closing stages of the match, Cameroon went to the break with the slim 1-0 lead.
At the start of the second half, Junior Starlets continued with the same intensity and their efforts resulted into a penalty which was converted by Elizabeth Ochoka.
Nonetheless, the joy only lasted for a few minute before the hosts took the lead again in the 53rd minute.
As the match continued, Cameroon slowly started to take control and managed to score a penalty through Tiwa Melong Lys Fraiche in the 85th minute.
The hosts were able to hold on to their 3-1 lead and in the end secured a 4-1 aggregate victory.
The win ensured Cameroon bagged a ticket to the upcoming FIFA U17 women’s world cup that is set to be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
Meanwhile, Junior Starlets, who qualified for the global tournament for the first time in 2024, will return home and start preparing for next year’s qualifiers.
Cameroon vs Junior Starlets: How they lined up
Junior Starlets
Velma Abwire, Joan Ogola, Jenevieve Mithel, Edinah Nasipwondi, Lindey Weey Atieno, Mitshel Waithera, Elizabeth Ochaka, Judith Nandwa, Halima Imbachi (captain), Lorine Ilavonga, Mwanakombo Bakari
Subs
Patience Asiko, Brenda Achieng, Brigit Maria, Faith Boke, Joy Angela Valencia, Anifa Bakari, Scovia Awour
Cameroon
Mabou Jessica, Aghogue Crystal, Wendji Nde Yvana, Ngong Chelsy, Ngo Belia, Atouba Djangue, Zoua Yolande, Dule Karen, Tiwa Melong Lys Fraiche, Tazanou Ange, Avana D Ze Beatrice
Subs
Ngamliya Segolene, Mbida Vasteiro, Ayissa Kono, Nguime Ebongue, Teufack Joyce, Bikie Gertrude, Mafor Claire
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