The Junior Starlets put on a commanding display, defeating Valencia CF Women 4-1 in a friendly match played on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Ciudad Deportiva del Valencia CF grounds.

Valerie Nekesa opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a perfectly timed pass from Halima Imbachi. Nekesa doubled the lead in the 26th minute with a clever run, noticing the goalkeeper off her line and slotting in the second goal.

Just before half-time, Lindey Weey Atieno received a precise pass from Lornah Faith and calmly added the third goal, sending the Junior Starlets into the break with a 3-0 lead.

In the second half, Lindey Weey Atieno struck again, netting her second goal of the match through a well-executed set piece in the 50th minute, bringing the score to 4-0.

Valencia CF Women managed to pull one back in the 88th minute through a penalty. The match ended 4-1 in favor of the Starlets.Up next for the Junior Starlets are friendly matches against Portugal on September 27 and Intercity on September 30, as they continue their preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

These friendly games are vital for sharpening tactics and building match fitness ahead of the team’s World Cup debut in the Dominican Republic, which begins on October 16, 2024, and runs until November 3, 2024.

The Junior Starlets will face England on October 18, Korea DPR on October 20, and conclude their group stage matches against Mexico on October 24.

Starting XI; 1.Velma Abwire, 16. Christine Adhiambo, 11. Diana Anyango 19. Lorine Ilavonga, 12. Elizabeth Ochaka, 8. Lindey Weey Atieno, 10. Marion Serenge, 14. Lorna Faith, 20.Rebecca Odato, 13. Valerie Nekesa, 17. Halima Imbach.

Subs; 23.Ephy Awuor , 6. Susan Akoth, 4. Jenevive Mithel, 24. Joan Ogola, 21. Brenda Awuor, 7. Quinter Odiwuor, 33. Pearl Olesi, 25. Joy Angela Valencia, 18. Scovia Awuor, 29. Jane Kweyu, 3. Kimberly Akinyi, 9. Velma Awuor.