Kenya’s Junior Starlets faced a tough start to their debut in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, falling 2-0 to England in their opening Group C match on October 18, 2024, at CFC Stadium in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Despite a spirited performance, goals from England’s Lola Brown and Lauryn Thompson ultimately secured victory for the European side. As Kenya now turns its focus to a crucial second match against Korea DPR, improvements will be necessary if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Both teams entered the match with much to prove. For England, this was their first appearance in the tournament since 2016, and they were eager to make a statement. On the other hand, Kenya, playing in their maiden U-17 World Cup, aimed to test themselves against some of the world’s best young talent. Head coach Mildred Cheche, leading Kenya through this historic journey, had prepared her team for the intensity of the tournament, but it was always going to be a challenging clash against the experienced English side.
The match began evenly, with both teams vying for control of the game. Kenya looked solid defensively, and their goalkeeper, Velma Auma, was called into action early, making several brilliant saves to keep the game level. Lorrine Ilavoga, anchoring the Kenyan defense, was particularly impressive in breaking up England’s attacking plays, as the Junior Starlets managed to frustrate their opponents.
However, just before the half-hour mark, England found a breakthrough. A fizzing cross from Omotara Junaid struck the hand of Kenya’s Halima Imbachi in the penalty area, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Up stepped Lola Brown, who calmly converted the penalty, sending Auma the wrong way and giving England a 1-0 lead. Despite the setback, Kenya continued to battle, with Cheche urging her players to stay focused and stick to the game plan.
In the second half, Kenya introduced Susan Akoth in midfield, hoping her energy would spark more attacking opportunities. Akoth’s brief time on the pitch provided a much-needed boost, but she was subbed off again shortly after, leaving the Starlets struggling to maintain midfield control. Still, the Junior Starlets pushed hard for an equalizer, with forward Valerie Nekesa proving to be a constant threat to England’s defense. Nekesa’s pace and determination saw her get into dangerous positions, but the Kenyan team couldn’t find the final pass or finish to capitalize on her efforts.
As the clock ticked down, Kenya began to take more risks in search of a goal, leaving gaps at the back for England to exploit. Three minutes from the end of regulation time, England sealed the result. A defensive error allowed Lauryn Thompson to pounce on a loose ball just beyond the halfway line. Thompson’s long-range shot took a slight deflection before bouncing off the post and into the net, making it 2-0 and effectively ending any hopes of a Kenyan comeback.
The final whistle blew, confirming Kenya’s defeat in their opening match. While the scoreline favored England, Kenya’s performance showed glimpses of potential, particularly in defense and goalkeeping. Auma’s heroics in goal and Ilavoga’s composure at the back kept the Starlets in the game for long periods. However, the inability to convert chances in the attacking third proved costly, and the late lapse in concentration at the back allowed England to put the result beyond doubt.
Looking ahead, Kenya now faces Korea DPR in a must-win game on October 20, 2024. Korea DPR, a formidable side with vast experience in youth football, will provide an even sterner test for the Junior Starlets. Head coach Mildred Cheche will need to make adjustments to ensure her team is better equipped to handle the pressure and physicality of their next opponents.
Cheche, known for her cautious approach, may opt to tighten up her defense and rely on quick counterattacks against Korea DPR. With the likes of Nekesa and Akoth in attack, Kenya will need to be more clinical when opportunities arise, as chances are likely to be few and far between against such a well-drilled side. A stronger midfield presence will also be crucial in breaking up Korea DPR’s play and feeding the forwards with accurate passes.
Despite the opening loss, all is not lost for the Junior Starlets. The U-17 World Cup is a learning experience for Kenya, and their ability to bounce back from defeat will be key in determining how far they go in the tournament. Cheche’s side has already shown that they can compete at this level, but they will need to find more cohesion in attack and stay disciplined in defense if they are to stand a chance against Korea DPR and keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.
With two group games remaining, Kenya still has the opportunity to make history. The young squad’s resolve and adaptability will be tested in the days ahead, but the Junior Starlets have shown they possess the talent and determination to rise to the occasion. Their next match could very well define their journey in this tournament, and fans will be watching closely to see if Kenya can upset the odds and secure a result against one of the tournament’s powerhouses.
For now, the focus remains on recovery, learning from the mistakes against England, and preparing for a tough challenge against Korea DPR