FIFA U-17: Junior Starlets focused ahead of Burundi return match

Kenya Under-17 women's national  team head coach, Mildred Cheche, has affirmed her charges will not allow Burundi to upend their unassailable 3-0 advantage when the two sides clash in the final round of the CAF 2024 World Cup Qualifier at Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi, on Sunday.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Cheche said they will go all out for a win while protecting lead that they established in the leg played at Abebe Bikila stadium, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia last Sunday.

Junior Starlets, as they are fondly known, had an easy outing after two first half goals from Lornah Faith and Marion Serenge put them on the driving seat, before Susan Okoth added the third goal in the 73rd.

These impressive exploits imply Starlets are ninety minutes away from punching their maiden ticket to the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup that will be held in the Dominican Republic in October this year.

The outcome handed Kenya a much-needed advantage heading into the second leg that will be played on June 16 at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.

Despite having an easy time in the reverse fixture, coach Cheche says she is aware Burundi will be fighting for their lives on Sunday; hence, her charges have to be very cautious.

"It will be a big match to us and we will take it seriously for we are not taking any chances.

“I know they would love to come back and turn the tables because this is football but we will not allow them execute any plan they may have for hurting us," asserted Cheche.

"Though we have home ground advantage, we still have a lot of work to do.

“There is no room to rest until we get the job done and dusted, as we aim to make history that will make our country proud," she added.

Team captain Elizabeth Ochaka said the team has worked on the shortcomings that popped up in their second-round encounter against Ethiopia, a fact that helped them register a resounding win against Burundi away from home.

She has expressed confidence in the team's mojo to seal a World Cup slot.

“Team spirit is very high; we have no room for mistakes that can allow them (Burundi) get into contention.

“We will be focused, knowing this is a World Cup ticket being chased by both sides."

"We urge (Kenyan) fans to throng the stadium on Sunday and give us support the way they did against Ethiopia in the previous round," She implored.

The Ministry of Sports has promised to handsomely reward the team if they see off Burundi and secure a berth in the quadrennial extravaganza.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba says the rewards package will be accompanied by elaborate preparations to ensure the budding girls leave a mark at the global showpiece.

The Burundians touched down on Tuesday, and they are expected to continue their preparations for the next four days before facing Kenya on Sunday afternoon at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.