Cheche calls for sharper finishing after Starlets top Group A

The Starlets staged a dramatic late comeback to finish top of Group A after battling to a 1-1 draw against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday, June 18.

With both teams ending the group stage on seven points, Nanjala's late equaliser proved decisive, handing Kenya top spot on goal difference.

Speaking after the match, Cheche stressed the importance of squad rotation as she continues preparations for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier against South Africa. The first leg is scheduled for July 3–5, with the return leg set for July 10–12.

"Actually, we didn't do very well in the first half, but we made a few changes in the second half and improved. We created more scoring chances but failed to take them.

"Hopefully, in the next matches, we will be more clinical. It is also important to rotate the squad because we are preparing for the World Cup qualifier against South Africa. We want to assess where we are as a team, and match fitness is very important. That is something we are gaining here at CECAFA."

The Junior Starlets enjoyed a dominant group-stage campaign, scoring 23 goals and conceding just once in three matches. Tanzania, by comparison, scored 15 goals.

By topping Group A, the unbeaten Starlets secured a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Uganda, the runners-up in Group B, as they continue their pursuit of regional glory.

The other semi-final will pit Tanzania against Sudan.

Both matches will be played on Saturday, June 21, at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Kenya's semi-final will kick off at 12 noon EAT, while the second semi-final is scheduled for 4.30pm.