The Junior Starlets took a massive step toward the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers after a 2-1 victory over Namibia’s Baby Gladiators at the UNAM Stadium in Windhoek.
Despite playing away from home, Mildred Cheche’s side displayed early aggression to overwhelm the hosts in the first leg of this encounter.
A blistering opening five minutes ensured Kenya lived up to their billing as favorites in the first-ever meeting between these two nations at this level.
The Junior Starlets were the first to strike, needing only two minutes to break the deadlock. An attempt to dribble by Brenda Achieng’ was stifled, but the loose ball found Lindey Weey Atieno, who unleashed a spectacular strike from distance that left the Namibian keeper stranded for the opener.
Namibia attempted to regroup, but they were hit by a second blow just two minutes later. Lindey Weey turned provider, hitting a sublime trivela pass from the center of the park to find the onrushing Faith Boke on the right, who composed herself to slot the ball into the bottom left corner.
The Kenyans almost tripled their lead in the 10th minute when captain Bevarline Awuor rose highest to meet a corner, but her goal-bound header was expertly saved.
Ten minutes later, Emily Adhiambo nearly put the game out of reach, turning on her right foot to fire a powerful shot that required a strong save from Namibia’s Tunga Sylvia.
The hosts thought they had found a lifeline in the 42nd minute through Angel Tamara, but the celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.
Kenya’s dominance continued into the second half, with Brenda Awuor attempting a clever lob over the keeper in the 55th minute, only for Sylvia to recover and punch the ball clear.
Namibia eventually grew into the game, forcing a fingertip save from Kenyan custodian Mishel Okoyo following a fierce strike from Angel Tamara. Kenya missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Flevian Khatenje skied an effort from the edge of the box.
The final twist arrived in the 84th minute when Namibia halved the deficit. Mishel Okoyo failed to hold onto a stinging shot from captain Nancy Lebang, allowing substitute Teyanna Awases to pounce on the rebound and slot home halving the deficit and giving the Baby Gladiators hope for the return leg.
The second leg will be played on Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The aggregate winner of this tie will advance to the second round, where they are set to face either Zimbabwe or Uganda.
Starting Lineups
Namibia: Tunga Sylvia,Joy Sweetness,Shiwovanhu Indileni, Tuuliki Namusakala,Nanami Uarij,Cherifa Cody Garoes,Kanene Tjizuu, Nancy Boipelo Lebang (C),Brianna Matthias
Kenya: Mishel Okoyo,Grace Mumo,Gaudancia Maloba,Lindey Weey Atieno,Brenda Achieng,Bevarline Awour,Faith Boke,Emily Adhiambo,Rose Nangila,Brenda Awuor,Mwanakombo Bakari.