Junior Starlets hit Morocco to wrap up tour on a high

The Kenya U17 girls’ team, the Junior Starlets, wrapped up their tour in Morocco on a high, registering an impressive 2-0 win over Morocco U17 in their second friendly match played on Monday at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex.

Mitshel Waithera and Elizabeth Ochaka starred scoring a goal each to complete the win which followed a 1-1 draw at same venue on Thursday April 4.

Coach Mildred Cheche who made only one change, Lindley Weey Atieno replacing Brenda Achieng in the midfield, hailed her charges for the good display.

 “The Morocco friendlies were extremely helpful for the team. They allowed us to assess our match fitness and evaluate the quality of our players against a strong opponent. These matches also gave us a clearer picture of where we stand as a team, and they’ve been instrumental in preparing us for the upcoming challenge against Cameroon, who are not an easy side to face.”

The team earned their spot in the third round after a spirited performance against Uganda in the second round.

The Junior Starlets, who are looking to secure their second straight Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup appearance used the two friendly matches against Morocco under 17 side who have already sealed their place to the global event by virtue of being hosts, to gauge themselves.

The Starlets are scheduled to take on Cameroon in the final round of World Cup qualifier, with the first leg set for Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, April 20, and the return leg scheduled April 25, away in Yaoundé at Stade Olembe.

The aggregate winner of the fixture will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.