The Kenya Women’s Under-17 national team, the Junior Starlets, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for a historic second time after defeating South Africa 3-1 on Sunday in the second leg of the final qualifying round at a colourful Nyayo National Stadium.
The Junior Starlets came into the match holding a comfortable 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Pretoria.
While they only needed to protect their lead, they produced another outstanding performance, coming from behind to score three sensational goals and complete a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory, sealing their place at the tournament in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026..
It’s a fairytale story for Kenya’s youthful pride, who made history in 2024 by becoming the nation’s first-ever World Cup qualifiers in the Dominican Republic.
Now, just two years later, Mildred Cheche has once again molded a new crop of brilliant talent to guide them back to the global stage.
ALSO READ: Junior Starlets one win away from World Cup qualification after edging South Africa in Pretoria
South Africa broke the deadlock when Katleho Malebana found the back of the net to give the hosts an early scare, capitalising on a defensive error just seven minutes in after a failed attempt to play from the back by the central defensive pairing of Brenda Awuor and captain Bevarline Awuor was thwarted.
However, true to their history, the Starlets adapted quickly and refused to back down, coming agonisingly close to restoring parity just three minutes later when Brenda Achieng’ was played through by Linde Weey only to see her effort crash off the woodwork.
After Mitchell Ntokozo picked up the game’s first booking for a heavy challenge on Achieng’ at the quarter-hour mark, the visitors almost doubled their lead before the interval when Pulane Moloi intercepted another error from skipper Bevarline Awuor, rounding the keeper but hitting the side netting to leave South Africa ahead at the break.
The match completely turned on its head in the second half after head coach Mildred Cheche made adjustments, introducing Emily Adhiambo for the injured Linde Weey.
Despite South Africa threatening again through an Elizabeth Molefe long-range effort that forced a save from Mishel Ng’ono, Kenya’s relentless pressure finally paid dividends.
The decisive turning point arrived with the introduction of super-sub Elizabeth Alizeba, who made an instant impact just two minutes after stepping onto the pitch.
Alizeba brilliantly dribbled past two South African defenders before being fouled in the box, winning a penalty that Brenda Awuor calmly converted to make it 2-1.
Just two minutes later, a rampant Alizeba produced a spectacular moment of individual brilliance, sprinting all the way from the halfway line to slot home and make it 3-1.
Junior Starlets vs South Africa lineups
- Junior Starlets (Kenya) Starting XI: Mishel Ng’ono, Pauline Namisi, Fleviah Khatenje, Bevarline Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Mwanakombo Bakari, Noelina Akuku, Linde Weey, Faith Boke, Gaudancia Maloba, Brenda Achieng
- South Africa Bantwana Starting XI: Dakalo Mafumo, Mitchell Ntokozo, Alwande Mbatha, Khwezi Khoza, Katleho Malebana, Elizabeth Molefe, Shintel Dutywa, Faraha Thomas, Aaliyah Jacobs, Pulane Moloi