Kenya’s Junior Starlets Secure Second Consecutive World Cup Qualification

Kenya’s national Under-17 women’s football team, the Junior Starlets, has secured its second consecutive qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team will now represent Kenya on the global stage at the tournament in Morocco, scheduled to run from 17 October to 7 November 2026. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football, as head coach Mildred Cheche has successfully guided a new generation of talent back to the World Cup following the nation’s debut in the 2024 Dominican Republic tournament. 

Despite a 2-0 lead from the first leg, the Starlets faced an early challenge when Katleho Malebana scored for South Africa after seven minutes. Kenya nearly responded, but missed chances left them trailing at halftime. In the second half, tactical changes, especially the introduction of Elizabeth Alizeba, shifted momentum. Alizeba earned a penalty, converted by Brenda Awuor, to level the aggregate. She then scored a solo goal from the halfway line, securing a 3-1 victory. 

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The win ensures that the Junior Starlets continue their story as the first Kenyan team to qualify for back-to-back World Cups.