Kenya’s Junior Starlets are 90 minutes away from writing history if they beat Burundi in their return leg of their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier at Ulinzi Complex on Stadium.
The Mildred Cheche-led charges put one leg in the women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic after beating Burundi 3-0 in the first leg played at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia.
Goals from Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and substitute Susan Akoth ensured that the Junior Starlets won comfortably and took advantage to set the stage for an eagerly anticipated return leg.
With only 90 minutes separating the team from destiny, Junior Starlets stands on the cusp of making history by potentially becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
On arrival from Ethiopia, coach Cheche explained how the girls were psyched to complete the journey. “They know and have been talking of qualifying for the World Cup for the first game, so it is something they are working hard to achieve,” Cheche told reporters.
“We want to make history, we have a 3-0 lead but it is not enough, football can be suicidal at some point, we don’t need to relax on our laurels, the return leg will be a huge game and we want to make sure we treat it as such, what we got away is not in our minds now, all we are focused on is to win the home game.”
Coach Cheche further expressed her gratitude for the government’s support and the comprehensive preparation program in place for the second leg. “With the support we are receiving from the government and the way we have set our preparation program for the second leg, I am confident that we will make history by being the first team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup,” added Cheche.
Meanwhile, her captain Elizabeth Ochaka has called on the fans to come out in large numbers to support the team. “I want to urge the 12th players, our loyal fans, to turn up in large numbers on Sunday and rally behind us as we look to raise our flag high,” said Ochaka.
Cheche has a great squad to pick from her starting XI with goalkeeper Velma Abwire set to keep her role after two superb shows in the game against Burundi and the one against Ethiopia.
In the defence, Chcehe could line up Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Lorine Ilavonga, and Elizabeth Ochaka while the midfield could revolve around Velma Awuor, Marion Serenge, Halima Imbachi, and Lorna Faith.
Cheche has always kept faith in the striking duo of Rebecca Odato and Quinter Adhiambo and they could start against Burundi.