Junior Starlets striker Mwanakombo Bakari (left) and Namibian defender Renalda Tamara in action during 2026 Fifa Women U-17 World Cup qualifier match at Unam Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on April 12, 2026.
There is a strong belief in the Kenyan camp that the country has put one leg in the second round of the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, what with a 2-1 lead against Namibia from the first leg fixture of the first round qualifier match played last Sunday in Windhoek.
This afternoon from 3pm, Kenya’s Junior Starlets will look to finish the job when they host Namibia in the reverse fixture of the first round of the 2026 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi
Fans will pay Sh100 for the regular seats, and Sh500 for the VIP section. Match tickets are exclusively available online via www.fanpass.ke and no physical tickets will be sold at the gate.
Junior Starlets, who held their final training session yesterday morning at Ulinzi Sports Complex, carry a 2-1 lead from the first leg played last Sunday at Unam Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.
Kenya’s forwards, Lindey Weey and Faith Boke, scored early goals for Kenya in the second and fifth minutes respectively in Windhoek, and Namibia’s Teyanna Awases scored her team’s consolation in the second half.
Kenya need a draw of any kind to advance to the second round. On the other hand, Namibia must score at least two goals to progress to the next stage at Kenya’s expense due to away-goal rule.
The aggregate winner of the match will play the winner of the fixture between Uganda and Zimbabwe in the second round of the qualifiers next month. Uganda defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 last Sunday at Ngoni Stadium in Harare, with goals from Immaculate Acen and Lydia Nameseruka in the 17th and 23rd minutes. Uganda will host Zimbabwe this afternoon at Hamz Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, for the return leg starting 3 pm.
Speaking yesterday at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Starlets coached by Mildred Cheche was confident of a good performance from her team.
“In the first leg, we focused on scoring early goals due to our inexperience playing away. While player variations caused a drop in performance in the second half, I am satisfied with my team. I hope we can do better at home on Saturday,” said Cheche
Cheche, a CAF ‘A’ License holder, identified scoring as an area for improvement in her team, citing missed opportunities from the first leg. She also pointed out that fans often judge her team based on past performances at the World Cup.
Junior Starlets strikers Mitshel Waithera and Lindey Weey Atieno celebrate after scoring a goal during an international friendly match against Morocco at the Mohammed VI Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on April 7, 2025.
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“Our new team features Weey and Brenda Awuor, veterans of the 2024 Fifa Under-17 World Cup, alongside many new players scouted nationwide. The players keep changing every year, as we do not have the same players. Initially, their playing styles were unfamiliar, but we’ve tweaked our strategy to maximize our chances of winning at home.”
Regarding winning away from home, she stated: “Their composure and ball possession contributed a lot to our victory in Namibia. I was pleased they created scoring chances, which is the most difficult aspect of football, as players prefer playing at home with the support of their crowd.”
Last Sunday, Cheche started Mishel Ng’ono in goal, with Grace Mumo, assistant captain Brenda Awuor, Rose Nangila, and Gaundancia Maloba in defence. Mwanakombo Bakari, captain Beverline Awuor, and Faith Boke were in the midfield, while Lindey Weey, Brenda Achieng, and Emily Adhiambo led the attack. Cheche might maintain the same squad, noting that some players have knocks but remain available.
Assistant captain Brenda Awuor said: “We’ve trained well and are ready to make Kenya proud. Namibia is a tough team, but we believe in ourselves, and the players are in high spirits playing at home. We urge fans to support us as they always have.”
“Our dream is to qualify for the World Cup. We draw our motivation from the Kenyan team that participated in the 2024 Fifa World Cup. We are inspired by their positive experiences on the global stage, and we approached the match against Namibia, aiming for an away win. Now it is time to finish the work at home,” Kenyan player Rose Nangila who is a student at Amus College in Uganda said.
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