The Junior Starlets are prepared to compete against Cameroon in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after defeating Uganda 3-0. Coach Mildred Cheche praised players like Brenda Achieng for their performance. Kenya’s upcoming matches against Cameroon are set for April 18 and the return leg a week later, with a goal to secure a place in the World Cup.
The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s U17 Women’s soccer team, are gearing up to face Cameroon in the final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Under the guidance of head coach Mildred Cheche, the team advanced after securing a 3-0 victory against Uganda, leading to a 5-0 aggregate win following an earlier 2-0 win in Kampala.
Cameroon also advanced by defeating Ethiopia 6-2 on aggregate. In the match against Uganda, Patience Asiko scored once, and Brenda Achieng contributed significantly with a brace, showcasing her talent on her national debut. Cheche emphasized the importance of Achieng’s performance, noting her ability to handle pressure effectively.
Cheche explained that training focused on addressing tactical gaps observed during the away match against Uganda. She highlighted Asiko’s pivotal role in the attack, which helped the team gain confidence. Kenya will face Cameroon on April 18 for the first leg, followed by the return match in Cameroon a week later.
Cheche acknowledged Cameroon’s physical style of play and stressed the need for rigorous training. Team captain Halima Imbachi stated that familiarity with Cameroon’s gameplay is crucial, underscoring mental preparation as a key factor. The aggregate winner of the two-legged match will qualify for the finals scheduled for October 17 to November 8 in Morocco. This marks Kenya’s attempt to qualify for back-to-back World Cups following their debut in the Dominican Republic last year.
The Junior Starlets have demonstrated their readiness to compete against Cameroon after a strong performance against Uganda. With key players like Brenda Achieng shining and a focused training regimen in place, the team aims to utilize their tactical preparations to navigate the physical challenge posed by Cameroon. Success in this round would secure Kenya’s spot in the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, continuing their journey from their previous experience.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
