Confidence high at Junior Starlets after historic win in U-17 WC

Despite Junior Starlets crashing out of the ongoing Under-17 World Cup in Dominican Republic, head coach Mildred Cheche believes the historic win against Mexico has boosted their mental strength.

Junior Starlets beat Mexico 2-1 in their last Group C match Thursday morning to become the first Kenyan team to win a match in a World Cup.

"We were the first team to qualify for the World Cup from Kenya and here we are the first to get the win which will have a huge impact for me and my younger players,” noted Cheche.

Valarie Nekesa, who scored Kenya’s opening and first ever goal at a global stage, said the win has changed the mentality of Junior Starlets.

"I wanted to score and yes I did. It was a memorable moment for me and the team for the win, at least we achieved something".

The winning goal scorer and Most Valuable Player of the match Lorna Faith Wasike, a student at Butere Girls High School, says the goal will remain memorable forever.

“The accolade will always add something to me whenever I will be seeing it because it is historic”, she said.

On her part, Mexico head coach Monica Vargara acknowledged Kenya for the win but promised to bounce back stronger in the upcoming editions.

“Kenya overpowered with speed and strength and with my young team we will come more organised in the next championship.”

Kenya finished third in Group C in their maiden World Cup appearance behind favourites and two-time champions Korea DPR and England as Mexico finished pointless.