Junior Starlets thump Valencia in friendly

Junior Starlets were on fire, thrashing Valencia CF Women 4-1 in a friendly match as their series of warm-up matches ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup kicked off in Spain on Wednesday.

Valerie Nekesa grabbed a brace in the 9th and 26th minutes respectively, with the first goal coming after converting Halima Imbachi cross.

Just before half-time, Lindey Atieno converted Lornah Faith's pass to extend Starlets' lead to 3-0, before completing her brace in the 50th minute.

Valencia CF Women got their consolation in the 88th minute through a penalty.

"It was a very nice match for us and the win brings a lot of motivation ahead of the world cup tournament. We look forward to win the next two friendly matches. Our target is to reach semi final stage and playing with great teams of the similar rank with our world cup opponents it’s a big boost and motivation,” said skipper Elizabeth Ochaka.

Junior Starlets will play their next friendly match against Portugal on September 27, before taking on Intercity on September 30, as part of their preparations ahead of the World Cup fiesta.

The tournament will be held in the Dominican Republic from October 16 – November 3, 2024.

Starlets overcame Burundi with an aggregate 5-1 win in the fourth and last round of qualifiers in May this year to book their spot in the first-ever World Cup.

Their opponents in the opener, Young Lionesses, have participated in the competition two times, with their best finish being in fourth place, in 2008.

Kenya will also take on two-time champions, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, who has participated in the competition seven times.