Kenya’s Junior Starlets have qualified for the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa 5-1 on aggregate.
On Sunday, Kenya completed a double over South Africa, following their 2-0 victory in Pretoria on June 4 with a 3-1 success at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The Junior Starlets had already laid the foundation for qualification for the global age-group competition, and Sunday's triumph confirmed Kenya's place in the tournament, which will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2026.
It is the second time Kenya is qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup. The country first qualified for the tournament in 2024 when it was held in the Dominican Republic.
Kenya’s current coach, Mildred Cheche, was in charge of the team at the time.
Sunday’s match began with a minute's silence in honour of South African player Jayden Adams, who passed away on Friday at the age of 24. Adams, who came through the youth ranks in South Africa, played for Bafana Bafana at the ongoing 2026 Fifa World Cup.
On Sunday, coach Cheche stuck to the same team that won 2-0 in Pretoria a week ago.
Mitchel Ng'ono started in goal behind a back four of Brendah Awuor, Fleviah Khatenje, Sylvia Namisi and Berveline Awuor. Noelina Akuku, Mwanakombo Bakari and Gaudencia Maloba anchored the midfield, while Lindey Weey Atieno and Faith Boke supported striker Brenda Achieng.
South Africa started brightly and took the lead in the fifth minute when captain Katleho Malebana capitalised on a defensive lapse by Junior Starlets to put Bantwana ahead.
Kenya sought to respond immediately. Three minutes later, Faith Boke released Brenda Achieng through on goal, but the striker failed to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The hosts continued to create chances and earned a free kick in the 15th minute after Achieng was fouled outside the penalty area. Weey's effort, however, drifted wide.
South Africa nearly doubled their advantage in the 18th minute of the match when striker Pilate Moloi rounded goalkeeper Ng'ono and skipped past two defenders, but her shot rolled wide of the post.
Despite dominating possession for long spells towards the end of the first half, Kenya failed to make the most of several set-piece opportunities and went into the break trailing 1-0.
Coach Cheche made her first substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Emily Adhiambo for Weey, and it injected fresh energy into Kenya's midfield.
The Starlets increased the pressure after the restart, with Achieng playing a leading role in attack. She came close to equalising in the 54th minute, but her effort found the side netting.
Kenya's persistence finally paid off in the 70th minute when Gaudencia Maloba levelled the scores. Sylvia Namisi controlled a long throw before delivering a cross into the area, where Maloba calmly finished to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
Substitute Elizabeth Alizeba Achieng sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, scoring Kenya's third goal to wrap up a 3-1 win on the day and a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate triumph.
The result booked Kenya’s place in the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup that will be played in Morocco.
