Junior Starlets Demolish Sudan 16-0
Kenya’s youth football history has a new headline. Specifically, the national under-17 women’s team, the Junior Starlets, secured a record-breaking 16-0 victory over Sudan in their opening match of the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship. Furthermore, head coach Mildred Cheche’s squad delivered the result at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A Ruthless First Half
Kenya wasted no time asserting dominance. Specifically, the team led 13-0 by halftime, executing what can only be described as a clinical offensive masterclass.
Furthermore, the scoreline left little doubt about the gap in quality on the day.
Brenda Achieng Steals the Show
One player stood above everyone else. Specifically, star forward Brenda Achieng scored an astonishing seven goals across the match.
Additionally, she found the net five times in the first half alone before adding two more goals in the second half. Consequently, her individual haul alone would have beaten most national teams outright.
A Full Team Effort
Achieng was not alone in front of goal. Specifically, Lindey Weey Atieno, Elizabeth Opiyo, Beverline Atieno and Mwanakombo Bakari each scored twice.
Furthermore, Tabitha Wambui and Flaviah Khatenje added one goal each. Additionally, Sudan’s Malaz Abdallah contributed an own goal to the rout.
Match Abandoned Early
The second half took an extraordinary turn. Specifically, Sudan’s squad was ravaged by injuries and had already exhausted all substitutions. Consequently, the team was reduced to just six active players on the pitch.
Therefore, in accordance with the Laws of the Game requiring a minimum of seven players, the referee officially abandoned the contest around the 60th to 64th minute mark, with Kenya’s 16-0 scoreline standing.
This victory surpassed Kenya’s previous tournament record margin of 14-0, set against Djibouti in 2019. Furthermore, it gives Kenya a massive goal-difference advantage in Group A over Tanzania, Somalia and Sudan.
What’s Next for the Junior Starlets
Kenya faces Somalia next on Monday, June 15, before concluding the group stage against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday, June 17.
Therefore, this win serves as the perfect confidence builder ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against South Africa.
