Junior Starlets go down fighting against Cameroon in World Cup qualifier

‎Kenya’s Junior Starlets suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cameroon’s Baby Lionesses in the third and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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‎The highly anticipated clash saw an early scare for the home side when goalkeeper Velma Abwire made a mistake just two minutes in but quickly recovered.

Moments later, a defensive lapse from Cameroon's custodian Mabou Jessica handed Kenya a corner, but Judith Nandwa’s delivery couldn’t find the target.

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‎The Starlets dominated early proceedings, creating several chances. Brenda Achieng came closest in the 14th minute, striking the woodwork in a one-on-one opportunity.

Cameroon responded with their own threat, but striker Tiwa Melong was flagged offside in the 10th minute.

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‎Kenya continued to press, with Joyangela Valencia leading a counter-attack only to be fouled, resulting in a yellow card for Cameroon.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Tiwa Melong Lys Fraiche headed in from a Ngassa Yolande corner — a blow to Mildred Cheche’s side who had been in control for large spells.

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‎Following the goal, Kenya made an early substitution, bringing in midfielder Lindey Atieno for Achieng. Moments later, the Starlets won a free kick from 30 yards, but Elizabeth Ochaka’s effort went over the bar.

The half ended with Cameroon ahead 1-0 and some controversy as captain Halima Imbachi received a yellow card for protesting alleged time-wasting.

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‎Coach Cheche’s halftime pep talk inspired a spirited second-half response. Just seconds after the restart, substitute Mwanakombo Bakari rattled the woodwork, with Mitchel Waithera nearly burying the rebound.

Waithera had another golden opportunity minutes later, rounding the keeper only to be denied by Mabou’s remarkable recovery.

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‎Kenya kept pushing, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper proved resilient, punching away successive corners and denying Lindey Atieno and Patience Asiko — the latter hitting the post late in the game in what was Kenya’s third shot against the woodwork.

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‎Cameroon resorted to slowing down the tempo, with multiple stoppages for apparent injuries and even their coach Joseph Ndoko receiving a yellow card for dissent.

Kenya made further changes, introducing Asiko, who had scored in the 3-0 win over Uganda, to try and spark a comeback. However, despite their dominance and a flurry of corners, the Junior Starlets could not find the equalizer.

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‎The return leg is set for April 25 at the iconic Stade Olembe in Yaoundé. Kenya will need a win to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for only the second time in history.

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‎This year’s tournament — the 9th edition — will be hosted by Morocco from October 7 to November 8, 2025, featuring the best of youth football from around the globe.