Premium
Kenya U-17 girls to face South Africa for 2026 Fifa World Cup slot
Kenya's Elizabeth Opiyo (left) dribbles past Sadia Nabiriye of Uganda during their 2026 Fifa Under 17 World Cup qualifying match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on May 30, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Kenya advanced to the final round after goalless draw with Uganda in Nairobi following a 1-1 draw in Kampala.
- South Africa booked their place in the final round of the qualifiers with a 2-0 aggregate win over Tanzania.
Only South Africa now stands between Kenya’s Under-17 team a place in the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
This is after both nations booked their places in the final round of the qualifiers to set a date for their meeting in July.
On Saturday, Kenya kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the global showpiece after edging past Uganda on the away goals rule following a goalless draw in their second round second leg qualifier at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Kenya, fondly known as Junior Starlets, advanced to the third thanks to their away goal in the first leg 1-1 draw at Fufa Stadium, Kadiba in Kampala last week.
On Sunday, South Africa booked their place in the final round of the qualifiers with a 2-0 aggregate win over Tanzania. The return leg in Pretoria ended 0-0, the South Africans having won the first leg in Tanzania 2-0.
The other final round qualifiers fixtures will feature Ghana up against Senegal, with Ethiopia taking on Zambia. Benin's opponents are yet to be determined.
The winners of this round will qualify for the 2026 Fifa Under-17 World Cup that will be held in Morocco from October 17th to November 7th this year.
The match in Nairobi was a game of two contrasting halves, with Uganda dominating the opening period before Kenya produced a much-improved display after the break.
The visitors created the better chances in the first half and could have gone into the break with a comfortable lead had they been more clinical in front of goal.
Uganda striker Immaculate Achen wasted the first clear opportunity in the fifth minute when she blasted over the bar after weaving past three Kenyan defenders.
Three minutes later, Shadia Nabirye penetrated the Kenyan defence but was dispossessed before she could get her shot away. Moments later, Gerevans Dominick Angel tested goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo with a long range effort.
Kenya’s first meaningful chance came in the 14th minute from a corner, but Faith Boke’s effort lacked the power to trouble Uganda goalkeeper Sharifah Kizito.
Uganda continued to threaten, forcing Okoyo into action as she rushed off her line to deny Achen. The goalkeeper and striker required treatment after colliding but were able to continue.
As the half wore on, Kenya enjoyed more possession in the visitors’ half but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Forward Brenda Achieng showed flashes of brilliance on the left wing in the 25th minute, although her cross was blocked. Seven minutes later, Okoyo produced another fine save to deny forward Martha Babirye from a well struck free kick.
At the other end, midfielder Emily Adhiambo dribbled into the Uganda box in the 39th minute but saw her effort drift wide under pressure from defenders.
Uganda continued to press for an opener before the interval, but Kenya’s defence stood firm.
The visitors made the first substitution at the restart, introducing Joan Namakula for winger Cynthia Kirenga, but it was Kenya who emerged the stronger side after the break.
Achieng was at the heart of Kenya’s resurgence, repeatedly troubling the Ugandan defence with her pace and skill.
Just two minutes into the second half, she narrowly missed the target after pouncing on a loose ball from a cleared corner.
