Kenya’s Junior Starlets defeated Uganda 3-0, achieving a 5-0 aggregate victory, to progress to the final qualification round of the FIFA U17 World Cup. Key performances included Brenda Achieng’s rapid hat-trick and Patience Asiko’s opening goal. Kenya will now face Cameroon in the next round of qualifiers.
In a thrilling match, Kenya’s Junior Starlets defeated Uganda 3-0, securing a 5-0 aggregate victory to advance to the final qualification round for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup. Substitute Brenda Achieng made an impressive impact by scoring a hat-trick within just six minutes. Early in the match, Patience Asiko’s goal in the fifth minute set the tone for Kenya’s dominance, having already secured a 2-0 win in the first leg held in Kampala.
Uganda faced a challenging situation as they attempted to overcome a four-goal deficit but struggled to make significant scoring attempts, despite their efforts to penetrate the Kenyan defense. The best chances for Uganda arose from captain Agnes Nabukenya’s free kicks, both of which missed the target.
The Kenyan team maintained high intensity throughout the match, culminating in Achieng’s final two goals. The first was a deft finish from a low cross delivered by JoyAngela Valencia, while the last came in the second minute of added time, showcasing Achieng’s individual skill as she eluded multiple defenders before scoring.
As a result of this victory, Kenya will face Cameroon in the decisive qualifying round. The head coaches and players reflected on their performances after the match. Sheryl Botes, Uganda’s head coach, expressed her admiration for Kenya’s tactical organization and experience, acknowledging that both teams aimed to adapt their strategies from the first match. Meanwhile, Mildred Cheche, Kenya’s head coach, spoke of the importance of the win in boosting confidence and acknowledged preparations for the upcoming tough match against Cameroon. Captain Halima Imbachi also shared her excitement, emphasizing the significance of the victory for their fans and their aspirations for World Cup qualification.
In summary, Kenya’s Junior Starlets delivered a remarkable performance against Uganda, securing a solid aggregate victory to progress further in the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers. The match showcased individual brilliance, particularly from Brenda Achieng, and reinforced Kenya’s tactical superiority. The team’s focus now shifts to the upcoming challenge against Cameroon, as they remain ambitious in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.
Original Source: www.cafonline.com
