Cheche cautions Junior Starlets against complacency ahead of Uganda qualifier showdown

Junior Starlets' head coach Mildred Cheche has cautioned Kenyans, warning that there is no room for celebration yet despite Kenya’s emphatic progress in the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Cheche stressed that while Kenya’s 7–1 aggregate demolition of Namibia—built on a 2–1 away win in Windhoek and a 5–0 home victory in Nairobi—reflected strong attacking form, the job remains unfinished. “The scoreline gives us confidence, but qualification is secured over two legs, not one,” Cheche said.

She added, “Our focus now is on managing each stage professionally and improving the small details we still see in our game,” she said, urging discipline as the competition intensifies.

Kenya booked their place in the next round through a commanding display, with Brenda Achieng netting a hat-trick. Emily Adhiambo and Elizabeth Alizeba also got on the score-sheet in Nairobi.

Attention now shifts to a high-stakes East African showdown against Uganda’s Teen Cranes, who arrive in equally strong form after a 6–1 aggregate win over Zimbabwe.

Uganda sealed their progress with a 4–1 victory in Kampala following a 2–0 away result in Harare. Uganda’s consistency has been anchored by early control in matches, including goals from Immaculate Acen and Lydia Nameseruka in the first leg that set the tone for their dominance.

Uganda head coach Sheryl Botes praised her side’s tactical discipline after qualification but admitted the challenge is far from over. “We got the goals and managed possession very well, but it’s not over yet,” she said.

Kenya captain Beverlyne Awuor echoed Cheche’s caution, stressing a reset mindset ahead of the derby clash. “Every match now is like a final, so we must stay focused and disciplined,” she said.

“In the dressing room, the message is clear; we start again in the next round.” The tie now sets up a fiercely balanced East African battle, with both sides unbeaten in the qualifiers and carrying strong attacking momentum into a contest that will be decided by fine margins.