Kenya’s Junior Starlets face Japan for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Kenya take on Japan at 9 pm in Morocco, seeking a quarter-final place after reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets face Japan today at 9 pm in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16. The match in Morocco offers Kenya a chance to reach their first quarter-final at the tournament.
Head coach Mildred Cheche expects a difficult contest against the former champions. However, she said her players would prepare thoroughly and give their best as they pursue another milestone.
Junior Starlets build on Samoa breakthrough
Kenya reached the knockout stage for the first time after beating Samoa 4-0 in their final Group E fixture. They entered that match needing a four-goal victory to improve their chances of qualifying among the best third-placed teams.
Despite that pressure, Kenya scored twice in each half to secure their place in the last 16. Mwanakombo Bakari opened the scoring after five minutes, while Brenda Awuor doubled the lead shortly before the break.
Gaudancia Maloba then added the third goal in the 61st minute. Just two minutes later, Bakari scored again to complete her brace and give Kenya the required margin.
Bakari also earned the Player of the Match award following her two-goal contribution. That result gives Kenya a strong performance to draw on as they prepare for Japan.
Japan bring a strong tournament record
However, Japan present a different challenge, with a record of success in youth women’s football. The Little Nadeshiko won the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014 and finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016.
They have also claimed the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup four times. Their achievements underline the task facing Cheche’s side, who are making only their second appearance at the global tournament.
Cheche acknowledged Japan’s strength but maintained that Kenya would focus on preparation and their own performance. A win would extend a campaign that has already taken the team beyond their debut showing.
Kenya seek another first
Kenya first played at the tournament in 2024 in the Dominican Republic. On that occasion, they recorded one victory and two defeats but did not progress beyond the group stage.
This time, they have cleared that hurdle. Now, the meeting with Japan will determine whether Kenya can add a first quarter-final appearance to their breakthrough campaign.
