Kenya’s Junior Starlets advanced to the final round of the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers by defeating Uganda 3-0 in the second leg, resulting in a 5-0 aggregate score. Key performances included a hat trick from substitute Brenda Achieng and an opening goal from Patience Asiko. Kenya will now face Cameroon in the final qualification round.
In a decisive victory, Kenya’s Junior Starlets triumphed over Uganda with a score of 3-0 on the day and 5-0 on aggregate, thus advancing to the final round of qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup. Substitute Brenda Achieng was instrumental, scoring a remarkable six-minute hat trick. Earlier, Patience Asiko had set the tone with an opening goal in the fifth minute, following a previous 2-0 victory in Kampala.
The Kenyan squad showcased their strength as Ogolla swooped in for a cleverly executed low shot after breaking past her defender. Despite Uganda’s efforts to penetrate the Kenyan defense through fluid passing, they struggled to convert opportunities into shots on goal. Their most significant attempts stemmed from captain Agnes Nabukenya’s free-kicks, both of which went over the bar.
In the second half, Kenya maintained momentum, but it was not until the closing minutes that they secured their victory. As the match approached its end, substitutes combined effectively, with JoyAngela Valencia crossing the ball for Achieng to finish emphatically from close range. Achieng capped her performance with another goal in the second minute of added time, demonstrating individual skill to outmaneuver her defenders.
Now, Kenya looks ahead to a challenging match against Cameroon in the final qualification round.
Kenya’s impressive win over Uganda not only highlights their tactical prowess and teamwork but also propels them into the next phase of the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers. With strong performances from key players such as Brenda Achieng and Patience Asiko, along with commendable strategies from their coaching staff, the Junior Starlets have set a solid foundation for their upcoming challenge against Cameroon. The enthusiasm and support from their home crowd also played a vital role in their success.
Original Source: www.cafonline.com
