Kenya’s Junior Starlets defeated Uganda 3-0 and advanced with a 5-0 aggregate score in the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers. Brenda Achieng scored a hat trick, and Patience Asiko opened the scoring. Coach Mildred Cheche highlighted team tactics, while Uganda’s Sheryl Botes praised Kenya’s organization. Kenya will face Cameroon in the final qualification round.
In a remarkable display of skill, Kenya’s Junior Starlets triumphed over Uganda, securing a 3-0 victory in their recent match and advancing with a 5-0 aggregate score in the FIFA U17 World Cup qualification. Substitute Brenda Achieng was instrumental, scoring a stunning six-minute hat trick, while Patience Asiko initiated the scoring in the fifth minute, setting Kenya on a victorious path after their initial 2-0 win in Kampala last week.
Despite Uganda’s attempts to penetrate Kenya’s solid defense through precise passing, they struggled to convert their efforts into goals. Captain Agnes Nabukenya’s notable free-kicks were the best opportunities but they failed to find the target, soaring over the bar. As the match progressed into the second half, Kenya maintained their aggressive pace, ultimately securing the win late in the game. Achieng’s first goal came from a clever assist by JoyAngela Valencia, who provided a low cross that Achieng swept into the net.
Achieng capped off a brilliant performance with her third goal, demonstrating individual prowess by skillfully maneuvering past defenders before slotting the ball home in injury time. This decisive victory advances Kenya into the final qualification round against Cameroon, raising the stakes for their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
Coaches from both teams reflected on the match; Ugandan head coach Sheryl Botes acknowledged Kenya’s tactical superiority, noting, “We played against a very tactically organized and experienced Kenyan side.” In contrast, Kenyan head coach Mildred Cheche expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, stating, “We did really well today…we executed our tactics really well.”
Kenya’s captain Halima Imbachi celebrated the win, emphasizing the collective effort, stating, “We are really delighted as a team to win at home… This is a deserved win and it will push us in our dream for another World Cup qualification.
In conclusion, Kenya’s Junior Starlets demonstrated their strength and determination by defeating Uganda 3-0, thereby progressing to the final qualification round for the FIFA U17 World Cup with a convincing 5-0 aggregate score. The team’s cohesive performance, exemplified by Brenda Achieng’s hat trick and Patience Asiko’s opening goal, illustrates their potential for future success. As they prepare for the challenge against Cameroon, their coaches and captain expressed confidence and optimism about their ambitions for World Cup qualification.
Original Source: www.cafonline.com
