Junior Starlets up preps ahead of Fifa U17 World Cup Qualifiers

Junior Starlets forward Faith Boke is confident Kenya will beat Uganda in the forthcoming two-legged FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier.

Starlets, who eliminated Namibia 7-1 on aggregate in the first round, travel to Uganda for the first leg on May 22 at FUFA Stadium in Kabaka, before the return leg fixture on May 30 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

Speaking at the camp in Kasarani, Boke said that they have intensified their training under the technical bench and are ready to fire the Teens Canes.

“The camp is so nice and the morale is high. Uganda is a tough competitor, we met them last year and defeated them and we will maintain the same momentum ahead of the two-legged qualifier.  It’s our hope that we will finish the work in the first leg. Our aim is to qualify for the World cup and we are very focused in achieving the dream”

Boke sentiments were echoed by midfielder Tabith Wambui

“The camp is much better and we are ready for the task. Qualifying to the World cup is the biggest thing ever in anyone’s life and I believe this will be our time. I’m urging my colleague to work hard for the win in both legs”

To get to this stage, Uganda's " Teen Canes” beat Zimbabwe 4-1 in the second leg at Kampala following a 2-0 away results in Harare, for a 6-1 aggregate.

The two East African sides met last year, with Kenya winning 5–0 on aggregate to reach the final round, where they were eliminated by Cameroon.

The qualification process consists of three rounds of home-and-away matches. Thirty teams entered the first round, with Nigeria exempted based on past performances.

Fifteen winners will advance to the second round, where they will join Nigeria. The 16 teams will then compete for eight spots in the third round.

The remaining eight teams will face off in four two-legged ties, with the winners qualifying for the tournament to be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7 2026.

The tournament is part of a series of annual, expanded 24-team editions held in Morocco from 2025 to 2029.