- Junior Starlets goals were scored by Faith Boke in the first half and Brenda Achieng’ doubling the lead in the second half to secure the 2-0 victory.
- The decisive second leg is scheduled for Sunday, July 12, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
- The Junior Starlets originally made history by qualifying for their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in June 2024.
The Under-17 women’s national team, the Junior Starlets, are just 90 minutes away from making history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating South Africa 0-2 in Saturday’s first leg of the final qualifying round at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Entering the match as underdogs on foreign soil, the Kenyan side displayed immense discipline to completely quiet the home crowd and return home with the three massive points.
The Junior Starlets scored either side of the half with Faith Boke breaking the deadlock inside the first twenty minutes.
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Kenya put the game safely beyond reach in the second half when Brenda Achieng’ struck to double the visitors’ advantage.
Achieng’s goal gave the Starlets two massive away goals, leaving South Africa with a mountain to climb in the reverse fixture.
Having navigated a difficult qualification path that included a regional derby victory over Uganda on away goals, the victory was a massive statement of intent from the youth team over the African football giants.
This potential qualification carries immense weight, as coach Mildred Cheche previously led the team to their World Cup debut in 2024, which was hosted by the Dominican Republic.
A successful aggregate win next weekend would mark a proud return to the global stage for Cheche and her squad, with the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals set to be played in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
South Africa now faces an uphill battle as Kenya only needs to protect their lead during the decisive return leg on Sunday, July 12, 2026, on home soil at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi to officially seal their ticket.
Starting Lineups
Mishel Okoyo, Pauline Namisi, Fleviah Khatenje, Bevarline Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Mwanakombo Bakari, Noelina Akuku, Lindey Weey, Faith Boke, Gaudancia Maloba, Brenda Achieng