Kenya’s Junior Starlets captain Halima Imbachi has vowed that the team will turn the tables on Cameroon in the return leg of the 2025 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The crucial return leg of the third and final round is scheduled for Friday at 9pm Kenyan time at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.
The aggregate winner will secure a spot at the global finals in Morocco, set for October 16 to November 3.
The Kenyan side, coached by Mildred Cheche, departed for Cameroon on Wednesday morning aboard Ethiopian Airlines and was expected to land in Yaoundé at 1:50pm local time (3:50pm Kenyan time).
After suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium last Sunday, Imbachi apologised to Kenyans for the disappointing result.
"We know we let Kenyans down. We regret disappointing you, but we're determined to win in Cameroon. Please continue supporting us; we believe 90 minutes is enough time for recovery,” said Imbachi on Tuesday evening during a farewell visit from Sports PS Elijah Mwangi at the team's camp at Stadion Hotel in Nairobi.
Despite the setback, the 16-year-old Butere Girls High School student said team morale remains high.
"We are not giving up. We have analysed our mistakes and are working hard to correct them. We are going to Cameroon with a positive attitude and a determination to fight for every ball.
We owe it to our fans, our country, and ourselves to put in a better performance,” added Imbachi, who was part of the squad that debuted at last year’s Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where Kenya finished third in Group 'C' with three points.
Reflecting on the first-leg defeat, Imbachi emphasised the team’s determination to turn things around.
"We were disappointed by the loss because we didn't achieve our goal. We promised that if they beat us at home, we have what it takes to beat them on their home soil,” added the Form Four student.
Other players who featured in last year’s historic World Cup campaign alongside Imbachi include goalkeeper Velma Abwire, defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel, midfielder Lindy Weey, and striker Joan Ogola.
New faces in the squad include Judith Nandwa (defender), Anita Bakaria (midfielder), and strikers Brenda Achieng and Edinah Nasipwondi, all of whom made their debuts in the second-round qualifier against Uganda, where Kenya secured a convincing 5-0 aggregate win.
During the farewell event, Sports PS Elijah Mwangi encouraged the team to stay focused and represent Kenya with pride.
"The government is fully behind you. We believe in your talent and ability. Go out there and give it your all. The entire nation is cheering you on. We have agreed that they will bring the win home, and we will reward them," said Mwangi.
He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving sports infrastructure, highlighting the completion of renovations at Nyayo Stadium.
"Nyayo Stadium is ready after renovations for the 2025 Kip Keino Classic as the track has been replaced with a new one," he said.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President and his deputy McDonald Mariga, who also attended the send-off, promised the team a reward of Sh1 million if they qualify for the World Cup.
