FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifier: Junior Starlets brace for tough test against Cameroon

‎The Junior Starlets ‎head coach Mildred Cheche has acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead as they gear for a faceoff with Cameroon in the third and final round of the Fifa Women’s Under17 World Cup Qualifier.

The Starlets stamped their authority at the weekend beating Uganda 3-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium for a 5-0 aggregate win to qualify for the third round and Cheche believes focus and attention now shifts to Cameroon.

‎"Cameroon are big and physical, but we’re taking it one game at a time. We need to beef up our squad and work on our physicality. It’s a big task, but I know our players can handle it," she said.

‎Kenya will host Cameroon on April 18, 2025, before traveling to Yaoundé for the return leg on April 25.

‎Despite the daunting challenge, team captain Halima Imbachi remains optimistic about their preparations.

‎"We’ve been watching Cameroon play against Ethiopia, and we’re preparing mentally and physically. Football is about the mind, and with our able coach, we’ll analyse their game and be ready," Imbachi noted.

‎The Junior Starlets booked their place in the third round after a convincing 3-0 home win over Uganda. Young forward Brenda Achieng, nicknamed "Last Born," stole the show with a brace after coming off the bench in the second half.

‎Cheche revealed that her decision to introduce Achieng late in the game was strategic.

‎"She’s a good player, but she’s under pressure. I’ll keep talking to her and motivating the team to go the extra mile," she said.

‎Under Cheche’s leadership, the Junior Starlets have enjoyed a solid campaign, winning six of their nine matches, drawing one, and losing twice. Their strong performances have ignited hopes of securing a historic spot once again in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after the last show in Dominican Republic.

‎The ninth edition of the tournament will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2025, with an expanded format of 24 teams. Africa has five slots, and Kenya is determined to secure one of them.