Junior Starlets one foot in World Cup after South Africa heroics

The Junior Starlets are expected to touch down in Nairobi tonight after securing a crucial 2-0 victory over South Africa's Bantwana in the first leg of the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers.

The team is already looking forward to finishing the job in the return match set for next weekend in the Kenya’s capital, inspired by the first leg win.

Reflecting on the crucial victory, Lindey Weey, who provided both assists, credited the team's unity and determination for the impressive result.

"We worked as a team. We decided to fight for our country, the badge and our parents."

Faith Bhoke opened the scoring after latching onto a superb through pass from Weey. Three minutes later, Bantwana were awarded a penalty following a challenge by Pauline Namisi inside the box.

Goalkeeper Mitchel Okoyo came to Kenya's rescue with a brilliant save to deny Bantwana's captain from the spot, preserving the lead. The Junior Starlets regained their composure and went into the break leading 1-0.

After the restart, the visitors picked up where they had left off. Weey capitalised on a defensive error before setting up Brenda Achieng, who calmly doubled Kenya's advantage in the 55th minute.

The Junior Starlets controlled the remainder of the match to seal a commanding 2-0 away victory and take a significant advantage into next Sunday's return leg.

The team will head straight into residential camp upon arrival tonight to begin preparations for the decisive second leg.

Head coach Mildred Cheche insists the tie is far from over despite the first-leg advantage.

"It is not easy to win away from home. The result has given us an advantage, but we must return to training and approach the second leg as a fresh match if we are to qualify for the World Cup in Morocco."

Cheche also confirmed that striker Tabitha Wambui missed the first leg after accumulating two yellow cards but will be available for selection in the return fixture.

The Junior Starlets are now just 90 minutes away from qualifying for their second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco later this year.