Starlets map Uganda hurdle as World Cup dream sharpens

This set in motion preparations for a decisive FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying duel against Uganda.

The call-up signals continuity in Cheche’s project, with the bulk of the squad retained from the previous round, where Kenya delivered a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over Namibia.

It underlined tactical stability and cohesion within the ranks. The technical bench has, however, injected fresh options into the setup, handing opportunities to Florence Mboya, Daisy Adongo, Jael Nanjala, Grace Wangari, Martha Musimbi, Rochelle Faith and Khadija Furaha as the team sharpens depth across all departments.

Focus now shifts to residential training, with the squad scheduled to assemble today at the Kasarani Annex. The phase is expected to be critical in trimming the group to the final 23 players while refining match-specific structures ahead of the two-legged tie.

Kenya will open their campaign away in the first leg on May 22 at FUFA Stadium in Kabaka, Uganda, before returning home for the decisive second leg on May 30 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. The fixtures will test both the team’s adaptability on the road and their execution under home pressure.

Progression past Uganda would push the Junior Starlets into the final qualification round, where either Tanzania or South Africa await in the last hurdle toward World Cup qualification.

Kenya’s pursuit is anchored in recent history, having broken new ground with their debut appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2024 in the Dominican Republic, a milestone that has shaped the urgency and ambition driving the current campaign.