Junior Starlets out to finish the job against South Africa in Nairobi

Junior Starlets will be out to finish the job in Nairobi after swatting aside South Africa’s Bantwana with two unanswered goals in Pretoria last week to claim the first leg advantage of the final qualifying round.

A draw or any kind of a win will be enough to send the Mildred Cheche-coached side to the grandest stage of football for the second time following their debut in the Dominican Republic in 2024.

This year’s Under-17 World Cup, featuring 24 teams, will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.

For players like Faith Boke, Sunday’s decisive qualifier against South Africa represents an opportunity to change lives, inspire young girls and continue Kenya’s rise in women’s football.

For Boke, who opened the scoring in South Africa, the stakes are deeply personal.

“Qualifying for the World Cup will first change my life considering where I come from,” she said after training.

“Back home things aren’t easy and many people depend on me. Going there and playing at the World Cup will also lift the country’s name.”

The striker says scoring in the first leg has only strengthened her confidence as Kenya aims to finish the job on home soil.

“Scoring that goal really motivated me so for the next game I want to try and score at least two goals. Since I’ve been scoring just one, scoring two would be a real achievement for me.”

While qualification is within touching distance, defender Tabitha Wambui insists the team is treating Sunday’s match as a fresh contest, warning against underestimating a South African side with everything to play for.

“We won away but nothing is easy. Our aim is to go into the second leg with seriousness. They are a well-coached team, and we know they will come with a winning spirit. We are not going to underrate them,” said Wambui.

The youngsters have emerged as one of the country's brightest football success stories in recent years, becoming the first Kenyan football team to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup at any level when they reached the 2024 edition.

Another qualification would reinforce the country’s growing reputation in youth women’s football and provide another platform for a talented generation of players.

With free entry announced for Sunday’s match, both players have called on fans to come to the match for support.

“We need your support. Your support will push us and we will appreciate it a lot if you show up,” she added Wambui.

Boke echoed the appeal promising the team would match the fans’ backing with determination.

“When the fans come, it means they are right behind us. We will fight and make sure we win. We won’t let them down. Entrance is free so don’t disappoint us, come out in large numbers and fill the stadium.”

For the Junior Starlets, another World Cup ticket would not only extend Kenya’s remarkable journey on the international stage but also show another generation of young girls that their dreams are within reach.