Kenya’s U17 Women’s National Team, the Junior Starlets, continued to struggle in their maiden FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Korea DPR on Sunday evening at the Cibao Stadium in the Dominican Republic. This marked their second loss in as many games, following a 2-0 defeat to England in their opening match.
Against Korea DPR, a two-time champion of the competition, the Junior Starlets faced a daunting challenge that would further highlight their inexperience on the global stage. The Korean side, known for their technical superiority and tactical discipline, was a level above the Kenyan team, whose first participation in a global tournament has been marked by growing pains and learning experiences.
From the first whistle, Korea DPR stamped their authority on the game, pressing high up the pitch and forcing Kenya into defensive errors. The North Korean side’s relentless attack paid off early, with Ryu Gyong So opening the scoring in just the eighth minute. After a brilliant team move, So unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that Kenyan goalkeeper Velma Abwire was unable to parry away. The strike set the tone for what would be a long evening for the Junior Starlets.
Just three minutes later, the Kenyan defense once again found themselves exposed, with So doubling Korea DPR’s lead. This time, the attacker struck from her left foot after finding space outside the box. Her shot, much like the first, left Abwire with little chance. The Junior Starlets were clearly rattled, struggling to deal with the precision and pace of Korea DPR’s attack. Yon Choe, another standout for the Korean side, saw her effort narrowly miss the target after the two early goals, and Kyong Ho’s header also flew over the bar in the first half.
Despite the early onslaught, Kenya managed to hold on for the remainder of the half without conceding further, a small but significant achievement given the barrage they had faced in the opening quarter. However, it was clear that coach Mildred Cheche’s side needed to regroup at halftime if they were to have any chance of mounting a comeback or avoiding further damage.
The Junior Starlets came out in the second half with a more compact defensive approach, attempting to minimize the spaces that Korea DPR had exploited so easily in the first period. Kenyan players worked tirelessly to close down passing lanes and prevent the Koreans from adding to their tally.
However, despite their improved defensive organization, Kenya’s attacking play remained largely ineffective. The Junior Starlets struggled to get out of their own half for most of the second period, with their lone chance of the game coming in the 57th minute. Forward Marion Serenge broke free of her marker and found herself with a clear run at goal, but her effort went wide, failing to trouble the Korean goalkeeper. It was a rare moment of offensive promise for a team that had zero shots on target throughout the contest.
Korea DPR, meanwhile, continued to threaten, with Choe rattling the crossbar shortly after the break following another Kenyan defensive lapse. Substitute Su Jong Ri also had a golden opportunity to score, but she lobbed her effort wide after eluding her markers.
The Junior Starlets managed to avoid further damage for most of the second half, but Korea DPR would eventually score their third goal with just five minutes left on the clock. A well-taken corner was met by Korean skipper Kuk Hyang Ri, who rose highest to head the ball past Abwire, sealing a comprehensive victory for her side.
With that goal, Korea DPR piled on the misery for Kenya, who now find themselves at the bottom of Group C after two matches. The result leaves the Junior Starlets on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Their fate hinges on the outcome of the match between England and Mexico, with Kenya needing a miracle to progress to the knockout stages.