Kenya name strong lineup for crucial World Cup qualifier against Cameroon, aiming for consecutive tournament appearances after 2024 debut.
Junior Starlets have announced their starting XI for their must-win final round 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The pressure is on as Kenya’s Junior Starlets host Cameroon in the first leg of the decisive qualifier.
The encounter marks a critical juncture for Coach Mildred Cheche’s side, who are aiming to secure back-to-back World Cup appearances following their historic debut at the 2024 edition in the Dominican Republic.
Kenya’s Rising Stars are 180 minutes away from securing a second-consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup place, with a ‘physical’ Cameroon side awaiting them.
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Fresh from morale-boosting friendlies against Morocco—where they earned a 1-1 draw in the first match and a 2-0 win in the second—the Starlets appear to be hitting top form at the right moment.
Coach Cheche has named a strong and balanced starting XI, underlining the team’s intent to take advantage of home support.
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been tipped for a coaching role with with former club.
The starting lineup features Velma Abwire between the posts, with a defensive line anchored by Jenevieve Mithel, Judith Nandwa, Lorine Ilavonga, and Elizabeth Ochaka. The midfield will be commanded by Halima Imbachi, Edinah Nasipwondi, and Mwanakombo Bakari, while the attacking trio includes Brenda Achieng, Joyangela Valencia, and Joan Ogola.
This fixture follows Kenya’s impressive showing in the previous round where they dismantled Uganda 5-0 on aggregate.
The first leg ended 2-0 with goals from Nasipwondi and Ogola, while the return leg saw a commanding 3-0 win courtesy of a brace by Brenda Ochieng and a strike from Patience Asiko.
Cameroon, however, are no pushovers. They booked their place in this round with commanding performances, eliminating Egypt 6-0 on aggregate before seeing off Ethiopia 6-2.
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South African forward Percy Tau joined Qatari club Qatar SC in January but he could be on his way out soon given a number of clauses tied to his multi-million contract.
The return leg will take place at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé on Friday, April 25, with the winner on aggregate booking their place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Junior Starlets XI: Velma Abwire, Jenevieve Mithel, Judith Nandwa, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Ochaka, Halima Imbachi, Edinah Nasipwondi, Mwanakombo Bakari, Brenda Achieng, Joyangela Valencia, Joan Ogola
