Junior Starlets tactician Jackline Juma confident of World Cup qualification

Junior Starlets coach Jackline Juma believes her team has what it takes to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Juma guided her side to a 1-0 victory over neighbours Tanzania on Saturday, thanks to Elizabeth Mideva’s 84th-minute strike at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The result gives Kenya an advantage heading into the second leg, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Juma urged her players to stay focused ahead of the return leg, noting the need to sharpen their finishing.

“Last week, we created numerous chances but failed to convert them. We have the quality and the experience; now it’s about being sharper in front of goal,” she said.

“Football is about adapting to our opponents’ adjustments, and we must respond. I am confident we can get the job done.”

For the first leg, Juma retained a familiar starting lineup, with former Butere Girls High School goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo in the starting eleven, while first-choice shot-stopper Velma Abwire began on the bench -a move aimed at maintaining stability and experience in a high-pressure qualifier.

Juma also credited Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche for ensuring continuity from the U17 ranks, particularly in guiding tactical decisions and managing players’ exposure.

“Halima is a good player, but I am conscious of the game’s demands. We wouldn’t want to overexpose her. We have something to protect. Moving forward, we will make the most of our chances, but we are grateful to have an advantage,” she added.

Tanzania head coach Marco Kazobe, meanwhile, expressed belief that his team can overturn the deficit if they correct the mistakes from the first leg.

“I congratulate our opponents on the win and my players for following instructions. Being an away game, we played well. Our aim was to draw or lose by a small margin,” he said.

Kazobe also criticized the pitch, saying it affected his team’s approach.

“Ulinzi Sports Complex was not ideal for us. Kenya has better stadiums, but they chose Ulinzi. However, it’s not over until it’s over. We will be at home, with home advantage, and we hope for the best.”

A win over Tanzania would set Kenya up for a tougher next assignment against either Botswana or continental heavyweights Cameroon, with the winners earning a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland from September 5–27, 2027.