Junior Starlets target strong start against China in landmark World Cup return

• The Junior Starlets kick off their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign against China PR.
• The match will be played on Monday, October 19, at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco.
• Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM East Africa Time (3 PM local time).

The historic Kenya U17 girls’ side, the Junior Starlets, will look to kick off their second appearance at the World Cup on a positive note when they take on China at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco, from 6 PM East Africa Time.

The Junior Starlets made history back in 2024 after they qualified as the first ever Kenyans to the World Cup that was held in the Dominican Republic and thus the Mildred Cheche charges will be seeking to build on that historic moment having now returned.

Their debut campaign ended in the group stage after defeats to England (2-0) and North Korea (3-0). However, the team still managed to secure a historic first victory, beating Mexico 2-1 in their Group C encounter.

Having regrouped and missed the 2025 edition, the Junior Starlets now have an opportunity to redeem themselves and prove their worth on the world stage in a tournament that began on October 17 and will run until November 7.

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They open their campaign against a formidable China PR side, who will be no strangers to this level of competition. Kenya will then face the United States before wrapping up their Group E fixtures against Samoa on October 25.

Kenya qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa 5-1 on aggregate in the final round of the African qualifiers.

They had begun their qualifying journey with dominant performances against Namibia, advancing 7-1 on aggregate following victories in Windhoek and Nairobi.

In the decisive round, Kenya secured a crucial 2-0 first-leg away win against South Africa at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

They then sealed their historic qualification on July 12, at a packed Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, staging a spectacular second-half comeback to claim a 3-1 victory in the return leg.

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To gauge their readiness, the Junior Starlets have lined up a series of high-profile friendlies, including matches against the Australian national team and Spanish club sides Real Betis and Cadiz.

Ahead of the tournament, coach Cheche made it clear that the focus has shifted from simply making up the numbers to targeting a historic place in the knockout stages.

“This time around we are going to compete, not to participate, because we are looking to go beyond the group stages. So hopefully that works out for us,” Cheche emphasized.

Meanwhile, China boast a strong pedigree in the competition, with this marking their fifth appearance. They will be keen to build on their 2025 campaign in Morocco, where they reached the knockout stages.

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• Goalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls), Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls)
• Defenders: Namisi Pauline (Desert Scorpions), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Bevarline Awuor (Mathare Women), Ruth Mulongo (Wiyeta Girls), Daisy Adongo (Katonje Mix), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls Primary School), Khatenje Fleviah (St. Joseph’s, Kitale)
• Midfielders: Bakari Mwanakombo (Spire Academy, USA), Beryl Okumu (Nyakach Girls), Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Raila School), Peninah Fostine (Nyakach Girls)
• Forwards: Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill), Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding’ Primary), Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls), Wambui Tabitha (Mathare United Women), Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (LWAK Girls)

• Kenya vs 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