Kenya’s Junior Starlets triumphed over Uganda 3-0, achieving a 5-0 aggregate score to advance to the final round of FIFA U17 qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Brenda Achieng starred with a late hat trick, following an early goal by Patience Asiko. Despite Uganda’s efforts, they couldn’t break the Kenyan defense. Kenya now faces Cameroon in the final round.
Brenda Achieng’s remarkable six-minute hat trick propelled Kenya’s Junior Starlets to a decisive 3-0 victory over Uganda, sealing their progress to the final round of qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup with a 5-0 aggregate score. The match commenced with Patience Asiko scoring a crucial goal in the fifth minute, setting a positive tone for Kenya, who had already secured a 2-0 win in the first leg in Kampala the previous week.
Despite Uganda’s efforts to penetrate the Kenyan defense through their swift passing, they struggled to generate scoring opportunities, with their captain Agnes Nabukenya’s free-kick attempts failing to find the net. In the second half, Kenya maintained their aggressive pace and only solidified their lead in the last minutes of the game. JoyAngela Valencia assisted Achieng with a low cross that resulted in a goal, followed quickly by Achieng’s stunning individual effort in the second minute of added time.
With this victory, Kenya is set to face Cameroon in the final qualification round. Uganda’s head coach, Sheryl Botes, acknowledged the tactical superiority of the Kenyan side, noting their experience and world-class exposure. She expressed the ongoing challenges in evolving Ugandan women’s football. Meanwhile, Mildred Cheche, head coach of Kenya, praised the team’s performance and strategic adjustments, while captain Halima Imbachi celebrated the win as a gift to their supportive fans, highlighting the team’s cohesion and determination to qualify for another World Cup.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets successfully defeated Uganda 3-0, advancing to the final qualification round for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup. Achieng’s late goals cemented their victory, showcasing their tactical execution and team spirit. With a confident outlook, Kenya is now preparing for a challenging match against Cameroon, aiming for success in their World Cup qualification journey.
Original Source: www.cafonline.com
