Junior Starlets 2026 World Cup campaign off to a sour start with defeat to China

• Junior Starlets kick off their 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, falling to a 3-0 defeat against China PR.
• Xu Yue opened the scoring before Xu Xiaotang struck twice to seal a comfortable win for China on Monday October 19, in Rabat
• The focus now shifts to Thursday, October 22, as the Starlets regroup and prepare to face the USA.

Kenya’s Junior Starlets got their 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign off on the wrong foot after suffering a 3-0 Group E opening defeat to China PR on Monday evening at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco.

The Junior Starlets are making their second-ever World Cup appearance after making history in 2024.

They were hoping for a brighter start this time around and to progress beyond the group-stage exit they experienced back then, where they managed just one win in the Dominican Republic.

However, China, making their fifth appearance on the global stage, proved too strong and capitalised on defensive frailties to get their campaign off to a flying start.

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In the 12^th minute, China had already drawn first blood through Xu Yue, who unleashed a low shot that squeezed through the Kenyan defence to hand her side an early lead.

The Mildred Cheche charges struggled to keep hold of the ball, looking increasingly panicked on the big stage. They failed to create any meaningful chances in the first half as China headed into the break with the advantage.

China picked up right where they left off, doubling their lead just five minutes into the second half. Fang Zhenzhu collected the ball just outside the box and unleashed an incredible strike that rattledtthe woodwork.

The rebound fell kindly to Xu Xiaotang, who found herself well placed amid a sleeping Kenyan defence that failed to clear its lines. She made no mistake, slotting home to put her side two goals ahead.

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While Kenya hoped to make better use of their chances and reduce the deficit, they were caught out defensively once again.

Yue, operating on the left wing, outpaced her marker, Ruth Barasa, before delivering a cross into the box. Xiaotang was perfectly positioned to head home and complete her brace, putting China firmly in control with a third goal.

Kenya had a golden opportunity of their own in the 63rd minute, but Joan Orwa squandered a clear-cut chance.

With the goal at her mercy, she needed to strike the ball with more conviction, but her tame effort went straight into the hands of Niu Ziqi.

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Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche made changes in the second half, which injected some life into the attack, but her charges still could not find a way to get on the scoresheet.

The Junior Starlets will have two days to regroup before returning to action at the same venue, Pitch 3, on Thursday, October 22, when they face the United States at 9 PM East Africa Time.

• Kenya: Okoyo Mishel, Barasa Ruth, Orwa Joan, Maloba Gaudancia, Atieno Lindey, Achieng Brenda, Khatenje Heviah, Bakari Mwanakombo, Awuor Beverline, Akuku Noelina, Awuor Brenda.
• China PR: Niu Ziqi, Liu Yuchen, Cai Xinlin, Xu Xiaotang, Zhao Siqing, Li Yaqi, Liu Yuke, Wu Yichen, Fang Zhenzhu, Zhao Jiayi, Xu Yue.

• Kenya 0-3 China PR – October 19, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 6 PM EAT.
• USA vs Kenya – October 22, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 9 PM EAT.
• Samoa vs Kenya – October 25, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 9 PM EAT.