Tanzania’s Lydia Kabambo shields the ball from Rising Starlets' Diana Anyango during World Cup U20 qualifier/ CHARLENE MALWA 

Kenya’s Junior Starlets head coach Jackline Juma believes her team can secure a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup slot, but only if they improve their finishing in the return leg against Tanzania.
Juma is confident after the narrow 1-0 first-leg win, thanks to Elizabeth Mideva’s 84th-minute strike at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, which gives Kenya a slim but valuable advantage heading into the decisive second leg.
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“Last week, we created numerous chances but failed to convert them. We have the quality and the experience; now it’s about being sharper in front of the goal,” Juma said.
“Football is about adapting — our opponents adjusted, and we must respond. I am confident we can get the job done.”
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The coach retained a familiar starting line-up in the first leg, with former Butere Girls High School goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo between the posts, with first-choice junior keeper Velma Abwire starting on the bench.
The move was aimed at maintaining stability and experience in a high-pressure qualifier. Juma also credited Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche for her role in providing continuity from the U17 ranks, particularly in guiding tactical decisions and managing players’ exposure.
“Halima is a good player, but I am conscious of the game demands. We wouldn’t want to overexpose her. We have something to protect. Moving forward, we will make the most of our chances, but we are grateful to have an advantage,” she added.
On the opposite bench, Tanzania head coach Marco Kazobe remained optimistic despite the deficit.
“I congratulate our opponents on the win and my players for following instructions. Being an away game, we played well. We aimed to draw or lose by a small margin,” he said.
Kazobe also criticised the pitch, saying it affected his team’s approach. "Kenya has quality fields, but chose this venue. However, it’s not over. We will play at home and aim to equalise and then win.”
Across the continent, other first-leg ties were equally tight, highlighting the competitive nature of the qualifiers. Uganda drew 1-1 with Zambia, while Nigeria’s Falconets edged Senegal 1-0.
A win over Tanzania would set Kenya up for a tougher next assignment against either Botswana or continental heavyweights Cameroon, with the winners earning a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland.