Kenya’s Junior Starlets return to the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday April 14, for the decisive second leg of their World Cup qualifying tie against Namibia’s Young Gladiators, with kickoff slated for 3pm EAT.
The Junior Starlets enter the home turf with a slight advantage, having secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg at the UNAM Stadium in Windhoek.
Goals from Lindey Weey Atieno and Faith Boke in the opening minutes of that match gave Kenya two vital away goals.
ALSO READ: Junior Starlets stun Namibia in Windhoek to take control of FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifier
Determined to build on their 2024 legacy, the Starlets are now just 90 minutes away from advancing to the next stage, while Namibia arrives in Nairobi knowing they must score twice to keep their dream of a first-ever qualification alive.
Following their first-ever meeting last week in Windhoek, the head-to-head record stands at one win for Kenya. This afternoon’s encounter marks the first time Namibia’s U-17 side will play on Kenyan soil, setting the stage for a showdown in Nairobi.
Team News
Kenya’s head coach Mildred Cheche is expected to maintain the core of the squad that did the job away from home.
Captain Bevarline Awuor will continue to anchor the midfield while the creative burden remains on the shoulders of Lindey Weey and Gaudancia Maloba.
The Starlets have reported a clean bill of health, with the squad focused on clinical finishing after missing several chances to put the tie to bed in the first leg.
Namibia coach Woody Jacobs has indicated he will likely stick with the experienced players who steered the team’s second-half resurgence in Windhoek.
Goalkeeper Tunga Ndiweteko and forward Nancy Lebang remain the pivotal figures for the Young Gladiators.
The visitors will need their senior-team experience to handle the pressure of the Nairobi crowd and a Starlets side that traditionally plays aggressively at home.
Pre-Match Talk
Kenya – Mildred Cheche
Speaking during the final training session at Ulinzi, Coach Mildred Cheche emphasized that the away win has not bred complacency.
“We have the advantage, but the scoreline is narrow. In Windhoek, we saw how Namibia can settle into a game, so we cannot afford a slow start. Our focus has been on converting our chances early to avoid any late pressure. Playing at home gives us a boost, and the girls are ready to show the fans the progress we’ve made,” she stated.
Namibia – Woody Jacobs
On his part, Namibia coach Woody Jacobs remained defiant despite the aggregate deficit.
“We showed in the second half in Windhoek that we can compete with Kenya. Coming to Nairobi is a huge task, but we have a plan to get that early goal and make them nervous. We are the underdogs, but in football, anything is possible.
We have come here to fight for our place in the next round,” Jacobs added.
The aggregate winner of this tie will advance to the second round, where they’ll face either Uganda or Zimbabwe. The first leg of that second-round encounter is scheduled for the weekend of May 22-24, 2026.
