With this victory, the Junior Starlets became the first team in the whole country to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
Kenya’s Under 17 Junior Starlets on Sunday, June 16 secured qualification for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Burundi.
The Junior Starlets eliminated Burundi via a 5-0 aggregate score and qualified for the tournament to be held in the Dominican Republic from October 16, 2024, to November 3, 2024.
The two teams played the return leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi after they secured a 3-0 win in the first leg at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Kenya took the lead in the 17th minute courtesy of Marion Serenge who found herself unmarked and easily tapped the ball into the back of the net.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets in action against Burundi at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on June 16, 2024. /EDWIN SIFUNA
The opportunity arose after a collision involving Burundi’s Glris Gakiza and goalkeeper Claira Nshrimimana with the mishap leaving the goalkeeper unable to secure the ball, paving the way for Serenge to finish.
Burundi nearly leveled the score moments later but Chacheline Hakimana hesitated allowing Kenyan defender Elizabeth Ochaka to intervene and clear the imminent danger.
The match progressed with Kenya doubling their advantage through Valerie Nekesa who masterfully connected with a well-timed pass. She confidently navigated past the defence and slotted the ball past Burundi’s goalkeeper to make it 2-0 for the home side.
The visitors had a great chance to pull one back from close range just after the half-hour mark, but somehow Salum Lumuli missed the target with the match going into half-time.
Burundi pushed forward looking to reduce the deficit after the restart, with Chanceline Akimana looking to impress. The right-winger tried her luck from range and her shot missed the target without troubling Velma Abwire in Kenya’s goal.
However, Kenya continued to attack as they looked to extend their lead with Rebecca Odato pulling the strings in midfield. The Dagoretti Mixed Secondary School midfielder nearly found the back of the net with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Lorna Faith then set up Odato with a low cross but the latter fired straight into the hands of Clairia Nshimirimana.
The visitors launched late attacks in search of at least five goals to ensure that the game ended in a draw. However, Junior Starlets stood firm at the back in the dying minutes of the game and ultimately ran out 2-0 winners on the day.
With this victory, the Junior Starlets became the first team in the whole country to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
“Congratulations to the Junior starlets. You have done the Country proud!” stated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on X.
