Samoa’s Isabella Sibbett challenges Kenya’s Gaudancia Maloba during their Group E match in Morocco.
Mwanakombo Bakari scores twice as Kenya secure their first FIFA World Cup knockout berth and set up a meeting with Japan.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets reached the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16 for the first time after beating Samoa 4-0. Sunday’s victory in Morocco secured their progress as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Mwanakombo Bakari scored twice, while Brenda Awuor and Gaudancia Maloba added a goal each in the final Group E fixture. As a result, Kenya became the first Kenyan team to advance beyond the group stage at a FIFA World Cup.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s side entered the match needing a convincing win after defeats against China and the United States. They responded with four unanswered goals to claim the final available qualifying place among the third-placed sides.
Junior Starlets take control against Samoa
Bakari opened the scoring in the fourth minute after Kenya put Samoa’s defence under early pressure. The early lead settled the team, but they continued searching for goals to improve their qualification chances.
Samoa held out for much of the remaining first half. However, Awuor broke through in the 44th minute, sending Kenya into the interval with a 2-0 advantage.
After the break, Maloba extended the lead in the 62nd minute. Bakari then completed her brace two minutes later, giving Kenya the four-goal margin that proved decisive.
Kenya recover from opening defeats
The win followed a difficult opening to Kenya’s campaign, which began with a 3-0 loss to China. They then suffered a 6-1 defeat against the United States, with Lindey Atieno scoring their consolation goal.
China’s 3-2 victory over the Americans in the other Group E match helped confirm Kenya’s progress. Results across the tournament also determined the final rankings of the third-placed teams.
The expanded competition has 24 teams across six groups. Each group’s top two sides qualify automatically, while the four best third-placed teams complete the last-16 lineup.
Kenya made their World Cup debut in the Dominican Republic in 2024. Although they beat Mexico 2-1 in their final fixture, that campaign ended at the group stage.
Japan await in knockout round
Kenya now face Japan on Thursday, October 29, at the Women’s Football Complex in Morocco. The Asian side topped Group D after winning all three matches.
Japan also scored nine goals without conceding during the group phase. That record presents a demanding next test for Cheche’s team after their historic qualification.
