Kenya's U17 Junior Starlets advanced to the FIFA Women's World Cup after a decisive victory against Burundi in Nairobi.
The Junior Starlets have done it! Kenya has officially qualified for the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2024 to be held in the Dominican Republic! What an amazing journey it has been!
Kenya eliminated Burundi via a 5-0 aggregate score and qualifies for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic from 16 October – 3 November 2024.
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The Junior Starlets sealed their spot after beating the Swallows 2-0 in the return leg match played at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Sunday, having secured a 3-0 first-leg lead in Addis Ababa.
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Kenya took the lead in the 17th minute courtesy of Marion Serenge who found herself unmarked and easily tapped the ball into the back of the net.
The opportunity arose after a collision involving Burundi's Glris Gakiza and goalkeeper Claira Nshrimimana with the mishap leaving the goalkeeper unable to secure the ball, paving the way for Serenge to finish.
Burundi nearly leveled the score moments later but Chacheline Hakimana hesitated allowing Kenyan defender Elizabeth Ochaka to intervene and clear the imminent danger.
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The victory secured a commanding 6-1 aggregate lead in the final stage of the qualifiers.
The match progressed with Kenya doubling their advantage through Valerie Nekesa who masterfully connected with a well-timed pass.
Nekesa confidently navigated past the defense and slotted the ball past Burundi's goalkeeper to make it 2-0 for Kenya.
The visitors had a great chance to pull one back from close range just after the half-hour mark, but somehow Salum Lumuli missed the target.
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Kanya were leading 2-0 during the halftime break following an entertaining first half.
Burundi pushed forward looking to reduce the deficit after the restart, with Chanceline Akimana looking to impress.
The right-winger tried her luck from range and her shot missed the target without troubling Velma Abwire in Kenya goal.
However, Kenya continued to attack as they looked to extend their lead with Rebecca Odato pulling the strings in midfield.
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The Dagoretti Mixed Secondary School midfielder nearly found the back of the net with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Lorna Faith set up Odato with a low cross but the latter fired straight into the hands of Clairia Nshimirimana.
The visitors launched late attacks in search of at least five goals to ensure that the game ended in a draw.
However, Junior Starlets stood firm at the back in the dying minutes of the game, and ultimately ran out 2-0 winners on the day.
Kenya now joins hosts Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, England, Japan, DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Spain, the USA, and Zambia as the teams that have qualified for the tournament.
How they lined up:
Kenya: Velma Abwire, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Ochaka, Velma Awuor, Marion Serenge, Susan Akoth, Lorna Faith, Rebecca Odato, Valerie Nekesa.