Junior Starlets book next round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers without kicking a ball

The Kenya under-17 girls football team, popularly known as Junior Starlets, has booked a ticket to the next round of the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifiers without playing.

The youngsters were expected to battle it out with East African counterparts Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but the latter pulled out.

According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the continent’s football governing body CAF confirmed Junior Starlets qualification after DRC’s withdrawal.

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“The Kenya U17 Girls’ national team has qualified for the third round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The development comes in the wake of the withdrawal of RD Congo’s U17 girls’ national team from the ongoing qualifiers, as confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, January 31, 2024,” part of the press release signed by FKF general secretary Barry Otieno read. 

Kenya was expected to play DRC in a two-legged encounter between Sunday, February 4 and Sunday, February 11. The first leg of the clash was scheduled to be staged in DRC with Nairobi hosting the second leg.

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Junior Starlets will now face either Ethiopia or South Africa in the third round which will be played between Friday, May 10 and Sunday May 19.

Recently appointed head coach Mildred Cheche has stated that the team’s attention has shifted to the May fixtures. 

“We were looking forward to the match against RD Congo; however, due to recent developments, we won’t be facing them. 

Nevertheless, this situation presents an advantage as we can now focus on our preparations for the upcoming qualifier against our next opponent,” she noted.

Should Kenya qualify for the FIFA World Cup, they will square it out for the bragging rights with other nations from all over the universe in an event that is expected to be held in the Dominican Republic from mid-October. 

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Junior Starlets Provisional Squad that was supposed to play DRC

Defenders

Lorine Ilavonga, Elizebeth Ochaka, Clare Meries, Grace Mumo, Rose Nangila, Dorcas Glender, Vivian Amondi, Judith Nandwa, Kimberly Akinyi

Midfielders

Rebecca Odato, Shani Stacy Shemaiah, Brenda Awuor, Bridgit Maria, Sheila Akinyi, Susan Akoth, Lornah Faith, Gaudancia Maloba

Forwards

Valerie Nekesa, JoyAngela Valencia, Lindey Weey Atieno, Diana Anyango, Winnie Wangeci, Catherine Wambui, Patience Kasichana, Marvelous Joy, Marion Serenge

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