Kenya hit Mexico to earn first-ever World Cup win

Kenya's Junior Starlets defeated Mexico 2-1 to register their historic first win as they bowed out of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in style in a match played at the Stadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Thursday morning.

Fueled by the urge to register their first win, starlets raided the opponents’ goal from the word go, with Marion Serenge and Valarie Nekesa missing clear-cut opportunities in the opening six minutes.

Nekesa’s unwavering determination paid off in the 15th as she broke the deadlock by nicking Kenya’s first-ever goal at the global showpiece after tapping in a Joan Ogola short pass.

Mexico then tried to fight back but Fragoso Abril’s shot went wide in the 30th minute with keeper Valma Abwire standing still in Kenya’s post.

Starlets got their second goal of the match through Lorna Faith in the 35th minute after being teed up by captain Elizabeth Ochaka who lobbed the ball over the sloppy Mexican defense. 

Kenya returned a better side in the second half with Serenge tormenting the opponent's defense but her two attempts were blocked by the Mexican keeper Camila Vazquez.

Speaking after the final whistle, coach Mildred Cheche termed the win as a building stone for the future.

“We wanted this win and thank God it came; we are happy and the girls will use this as a motivator for their career growth," said Cheche.

Mexico got their consolation goal through Alexa Soto who converted a 90th minute penalty as they finished bottom of Group C without a single point.

In another match, two-time champions Korea DPR thrashed England 4-0 to claim the top spot of Group C.