- The Cameroon vs Junior Starlets 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup qualifier second leg match will take place on Friday night at the Stade Olembe in Yaounde.
- Cameroon secured a narrow 1-0 win over the Junior Starlets in the first leg that was played in Nairobi on Sunday, April 20.
- Junior Starlets captain Halima Imbachi is optimistic that they can beat Cameroon and qualify for the world cup tournament.
Junior Starlets will battle it out with Cameroon on Friday night in a high stake encounter that will determine the team that will book a ticket to the upcoming 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup.
The eagerly anticipated showdown between the Cameroonian youngsters and Junior Starlets is set to be staged at the Stade Olembe in Yaounde from 9 pm East African Time (EAT).
Junior Starlets will be aiming to bounce back from a 1-0 first leg defeat and secure an aggregate win against the Baby Lionesses.
The Mildred Cheche coached side played lovely in the first game that was held at the Nyayo national stadium a few days ago but they were unlucky to concede from a corner kick.
Cameroon’s goal came courtesy of their star forward Lys Fraîche Melong Tiwa, who took advantage of miscommunication from Junior Starlets players to head the ball into the net from cross range.
Therefore, based on their first leg display, Kenya has the needed qualities to outshine Cameroon at their backyard and qualify for the FIFA U17 women’s world cup tournament for the second time in a row.
ALSO READ: Luckless Junior Starlets fall to Cameroon in FIFA U17 women’s world cup qualifier clash
The talented teenagers made history last year by becoming the first ever Kenyan side to feature in the prestigious FIFA world cup tournament where they won a single match, something that they would like to replicate on Friday.
Cheche speaks on Cameroon vs Junior Starlets second leg encounter
However, as stated by Cheche, they will have to do everything right to stand a chance of beating their hosts.
“We understand that it is not an easy match playing away against Cameroon but the team is ready. We are going to do our level best because football is a game of 90 minutes. Anything can happen. You can win or lose it. We are prepared for all situations.
We have already moved on from the first leg. Tomorrow is a new game, and we cannot write ourselves off. Anything can happen on Friday night, and we are prepared for all situations,” she stated during a press conference.
Halima Imbachi confident ahead of Cameroon vs Junior Starlets clash
Meanwhile, Junior Starlets captain Halimah Imbachi told reporters that they have to be clinical in order to book a slot in the global showpiece that is scheduled to take place in Morocco between October 17 and November 8, 2025.
“I believe that we had a lot of chances in our home match. So, I believe that God will give us chances. The team that will utilize their chances better will go to the world cup.
As we have our chances and Cameroon, I know they have their target,” explained the highly-rated Butere Girls High School midfielder.
Should Junior Starlets beat Cameroon, they will become one of the five African nations that will feature in the 24 teams 2025 FIFA U17 women’s world cup tournament.
How Junior Starlets are likely to line up against Cameroon
Starting 11
Velma Abwire, Jenevieve Mithel, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Ochaka, Halima Imbachi (Captain), Edinah Nasipwondi, Mwanakombo Bakari, Brenda Achieng, Joyangela Valencia, Joan Ogola
Subs
Scovia Awour, Patience Asiko, Faith Boke, Brigit Maria, Lindey Weey Atieno, Mitshel Waithera, Anifa Bakari
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