Nyayo Stadium to host Junior Starlets clash with Uganda as Coach Cheche urges caution

The Nyayo National Stadium will host the high-stakes World Cup qualification return leg match pitting Kenya U-17 women’s team, Junior Starlets and Uganda’s U-17, Teen Cranes, scheduled for this Sunday.

Mildred Cheche-led charges hold a 2-0 advantage over Uganda courtesy of Edinah Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola’s goals registered in their first leg on Sunday at Navikubo Hamz Stadium, Uganda.

Junior Starlets will be aiming to finish off the job and qualify for the third and the last round of the qualifiers as they aim to qualify for the world showpiece twice in a row.

Should they qualify for the next round slated for next month, Starlets will have their work cut out as they are likely to meet African powerhouses Cameroon who hold a 5-2 advantage heading into the return leg in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Motivation is high in the camp ahead of the decider leg with midfielder Lindy Wendey Atieno confident of the World Cup ticket.

“We are confident enough and we are ready to beat any opponent that comes our way. We are only targeting the World Cup qualification ticket,” noted Atieno.

Head coach Mildred Cheche has warned of complacency ahead of the rematch.

“Even after our victory in the first leg, the second leg will still be difficult. The 90 minutes are crucial and we should put in our best to secure the next round. Nobody should assume that we have already qualified,” Cheche cautioned.

The match will kick off at 3:00 PM with tickets priced at Ksh. 100 for regular and Ksh. 500 for VIP.

It will be the first time Nyayo Stadium is opening its doors in almost 10 months after it was closed down for renovations in preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) last year.

Nyayo Stadium was last used in April 21, 2024 when it hosted the Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards clash dubbed “Mashemeji Derby.”