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Why Kenya U-17 girls are not getting carried away with World Cup place now just 90 minutes away.
Kenya’s Under-17 Girls team, the Junior Starlets, stand on the cusp of a historic achievement as they prepare for the second leg of their final World Cup qualifier against Burundi.
Despite holding a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, the team remains vigilant and focused, knowing that their job is not yet done. The decisive match will take place on Sunday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The Junior Starlets secured an impressive victory away from home, and now only need to avoid a heavy defeat to secure their place in the World Cup for the first time ever. Even a loss by a margin of less than two goals would be enough to see them through. As the team intensifies their training in Nairobi, they are leaving nothing to chance.
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19:35 - 09.06.2024
Junior Starlets one step from FIFA U17 World Cup after dominant first-leg victory over Burundi
Junior Starlets are close to qualifying for the World Cup after a strong first-leg match against Burundi.
“We won 3-0 away from home but we know they will come back to also try and do the same. They also want to score three goals and get back into the game, so it will not be easy,” said midfielder Marion Serenge, reflecting the team's cautious optimism.
She added, “We just need to stay calm and have the belief that we have what it takes to go to the World Cup.”
The prospect of making history has provided additional motivation for the Junior Starlets. No Kenyan team has ever qualified for a FIFA World Cup, and the U17 girls are now knocking on the door of this remarkable milestone. Striker Susan Akoth, who netted the third goal against Burundi in the first leg, emphasized the significance of this opportunity for their football careers.
“We are pushing to win because playing at the World Cup is a big opportunity for our careers. We will play against big countries as well as expose ourselves to scouts from abroad, something that might land us big transfers,” Akoth noted.
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08:58 - 09.06.2024
Junior Starlets reveal what qualifying for their first-ever World Cup would mean to Kenya
The Junior Starlets are just 180 minutes away from sealing Kenya's first ever appearance at a World Cup and they cannot wait for what it will bring to the country.
The preparations have been intense, with the team focusing on both physical readiness and mental toughness. The awareness that Burundi will come out strong in the second leg has kept the team grounded and focused on the task at hand.
“We have been training hard and are ready for any challenge that comes our way,” said Serenge. “Our coaches have prepared us well, and we are confident in our abilities.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 PM, with the Football Kenya Federation announcing free entrance to ensure the team receives robust support from the fans, often referred to as the 12th man. The anticipated crowd support is expected to provide a significant morale boost to the Junior Starlets as they aim to make history.
As the final match approaches, the Junior Starlets are not only playing for a spot in the World Cup but also for the future of Kenyan women’s football. The opportunity to compete on the world stage could open doors to professional careers and greater exposure for the young talents.
The entire nation will be watching and cheering as the Junior Starlets take the field, hoping that their hard work and determination will see them through to a historic World Cup qualification.
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