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Kenya U-17 girls play Uganda in Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifiers
Kenya Harambee Junior Starlets' Brenda Achieng (No. 9) celebrates her goals with teammates against Namibia counterparts during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African qualifiers for the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup match played on 18th April 2026 at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets face Uganda’s Teen Cranes in the first leg match of the second round of the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Fufa Stadium in Kampala on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4pm.
The return leg will be held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on May 30, 2026. The aggregate winner of the match will advance to the third and final qualification round, where they will face either Tanzania or South Africa in July.
The ultimate winner will secure a place at the 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
Junior Starlets head to today’s clash with confidence, knowing that history favours them. Kenya beat Uganda 5-0 on aggregate at the same stage of the competition in 2025.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets forward Tabitha Wambui (left) and defender Faith Boke tussle for the ball during a team training session at Moi International Sports Centre, Annex ground in Nairobi on May 18, 2026.
However, Kenya’s key players from those encounters, including forwards Edinah Nasipwondi, Joan Ogola, and Patience Asiko, are not in this squad after duly graduating to the Kenya Under-20 side christened ‘ Rising Starlets’.
Notable survivor
One notable survivor from that 2025 team is forward Brenda Achieng, who showed her worth with a sublime hat-trick against Namibia in the first round of the qualifiers last month.
Junior Starlets swatted the Namibians 7-1 on aggregate to majestically enter the second round.
Achieng also contributed a goal in Kenya’s 3-0 home victory over Uganda in last year’s qualifiers and will be itching to give the hosts another dose of her medicine.
Junior Starlets squad held their final training session yesterday evening at the Fufa Stadium while Teen Cranes also wrapped up their preparations earlier at the same venue.
Mildred Cheche, who guided Kenya to a first-ever Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup finals appearance in the Dominican Republic in 2024, confirmed three changes to the squad due to injuries.
“Rose Nangila got injured while at school in Uganda, while Lindey Weey has a hip injury that is affecting her movement. She will need at least two weeks of treatment,” coach Cheche told Nation Sport on May 21, 2026.
Daisy Adongo has been drafted in to strengthen the defence, while Grace Wangari is expected to add firepower in attack.
Noelina Akuku has also earned a call-up because of her versatility in midfield.
Mishel Ng’ono is likely to start in goal, with Grace Mumo, assistant captain Brenda Awuor, Daisy Adongo, who is expected to replace the injured Nangila, and Gaundancia Maloba forming the backline.
Captain Beverline Awuor is set to marshal the midfield alongside Mwanakombo Bakari and Faith Boke.
In attack, Weey’s absence could see either Grace Wangari or Noelina Akuku earn a starting role alongside Brenda Achieng’ and Emily Adhiambo.
Weey, Boke, and Achieng featured in the 2024 World Cup and should give Junior Starlets some welcome experience. Uganda’s Teen Cranes advanced to this stage after eliminating Zimbabwe 6-1 on aggregate following a 2-0 away win and a 4-1 triumph at home. ENDS
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