Junior Starlets out to conquer CECAFA ahead of World Cup qualifier

Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche is confident her team will clinch the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship, which runs from June 13 to 23 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Kenyan side arrived in Dar es Salaam on Friday morning and will begin their campaign against Sudan on June 13 before facing Somalia on June 15. They will wrap up their Group A fixtures against hosts Tanzania on June 17.

Speaking during the team's final training session at Kasarani Annex on Thursday before departure, Cheche said the regional tournament would provide valuable preparation ahead of Kenya's two-legged FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier against South Africa in July.

“This tournament will be very important for us as we prepare for South Africa. The matches will help us improve match fitness and assess different players in various situations. It will also give more players an opportunity to get valuable game time,” said Cheche.

“Of course, our goal is to compete and take one match at a time. We are aiming to reach the final and win the title.”

Cheche has largely retained the squad that featured in the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers against Uganda, making only four changes.

The new additions are Jael Nanjala, Lindey Weey, Grace Chari and Elizabeth Awuor, who replace Ivy Atieno, Idah Matara, Daisy Adongo and Grace Wangari.

The Junior Starlets are just one step away from securing a return to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and will use the CECAFA tournament as a key part of their preparations.

Kenya is drawn in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania, Somalia and Sudan, while Group B consists of Uganda, South Sudan and Djibouti.

Kenya's Squad for the CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship

Goalkeepers:
Mishel Okoyo, Martha Wekhomba, Vallary Achieng

Defenders:
Pauline Namisi, Jael Nanjala, Faith Boke, Sheila Atieno, Grace Mumo, Bevarline Awuor

Midfielders:
Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Fleviah Khatenje, Noelina Akuku, Brenda Awuor, Grace Chari, Gaudancia Maloba, Lindey Weey Atieno

Forwards:
Brenda Achieng, Elizabeth Alizeba, Patience Waithira, Emily Adhiambo, Tabitha Wambui, Elizabeth Awuor