Kenya Under-17 players train at Nyayo National Stadium on July 11,2026.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets are 90 minutes away from securing a place in the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
The team plays South Africa’s Bantwana in the return leg of the final qualifying round at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi today from 3pm.
Fans will enter the regular terraces free of charge, but those seeking VIP experience will pay Sh500 for tickets.
The aggregate winner will claim Africa’s final ticket to the global tournament, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
Junior Starlets players (from left) Beryl Awour, Elizabeth Opiyo, Gaundancia Maloba, and Brenda Achieng celebrate a goal against Namibia in the Caf African qualifying match for the Fifa Under-17 Women World Cup at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on April 18, 2026.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s side carries a healthy advantage going into the decisive encounter after recording a 2-0 victory in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria last Saturday. In Pretoria, utility player Faith Boke opened the scoring for Kenya in the 13th minute, and striker Brenda Achieng doubled the lead in the 70th minute to hand the Starlets a crucial away victory.
The result means Kenya needs a draw of any kind to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in history. However, South Africa, under coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo, must win by at least three clear goals without conceding to overturn the deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Junior Starlets forward Gaudencia Maloba believes the team is ready for the challenge after a serious week of preparations in camp.
“We have trained well and with a lot of seriousness over the past week in camp. Our opponents are a very skilled team. Before beating us, they defeated Tanzania 2-0 away from home, so they are coming with confidence, but we also want to win at home,” said Maloba.
The forward said qualifying for the World Cup would be a major achievement in her career, as she hopes to make her first appearance on the global stage.
Teammate Pauline Namisi called on her colleagues to remain united and focused ahead of the high-pressure encounter.
“We encourage each other ahead of the match. We have all agreed that we are going to the World Cup, but it will not be an easy game. We will push ourselves until the final whistle,” she said.
Namisi also urged fans to turn up in large numbers at Nyayo National Stadium, saying their support would inspire the team.
“When fans come in large numbers, they will push us to work even harder. They are not coming to support South Africa; they are coming to support us. We promise them that we will fight for victory. Let us fill Nyayo Stadium,” she added.
She also appealed to President William Ruto to continue supporting the team.
“President William Ruto, be ready for us. We will take Kenya to the World Cup. Please stand with us until the end,” said Namisi. Cheche admitted Kenya is close to achieving their dream but warned that South Africa remains a dangerous opponent.
Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche.
“We have one foot in the World Cup, but South Africa is a good side, and we have prepared the team for all circumstances. I am glad that I have utility players in the team who can play in different positions, and that is a big advantage for us,” said Cheche.
The coach confirmed that the team has no injury concerns, with all players available for selection.
“The rest of the players are fully fit. Our focus is to give our all on the pitch. It will be a tough match, and it will not be easy because everyone will be here to support us,” she said.
Cheche added that the support from Kenyans and encouragement from President Ruto have given the players extra motivation.
“The goodwill from the President is a motivation to us, and having all Kenyans behind the team gives us great encouragement,” she said.
Ruto rallies fans
President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to fill Nyayo National Stadium and rally behind the Junior Starlets as they chase qualification.
In a message shared on his social media pages on Friday, President Ruto called on fans to support the young players with national pride.
“Now it is our turn as a nation to stand behind them. Let us fill the stadium with our flags, voices, and our belief to support the next generation. This is more than football. One nation, one team, one dream. Let us meet at Nyayo this Sunday. Let’s go to Kenya,” said Ruto.
The South African delegation arrived in Nairobi on Thursday evening and held their first training session on Friday evening at Police Sacco Stadium before having a feel of Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Before their training session, Bantwana held a morning walk at Uhuru Park as part of their preparations.
History also favours Kenya. Starlets have never failed to qualify after winning the first leg away from home in a World Cup qualifier.
Since making their debut in the qualification campaign in 2024, Kenya have played eight home matches, winning six, drawing one, and losing one.
Starlets began this campaign by eliminating Namibia 7-1 on aggregate. They won 2-1 away in Windhoek before completing the job with a 5-0 victory at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
Kenya then edged regional rivals Uganda in the second round through the away-goal rule after a 1-1 draw in Kampala and a goalless draw at Nyayo.
Cheche’s charges will be keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointment when they missed out on the global finals after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Cameroon in the final qualifying round.
Kenya lost 3-1 in Yaoundé before suffering a 1-0 defeat at Nyayo, ending their hopes of returning to the tournament where they made their historic debut in 2024 in the Dominican Republic.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
