Kenya stun Ethiopia to advance to last round of FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers

19th May 2024 - by Tony Kipkorir

Junior Starlets will now play Burundi in the final round as they seek to qualify for the World Cup.

SUMMARY

The two sides had played to a barren draw in the first leg.
Kenya won the second leg which was played in Nairobi 3-0.
Velma Owour, Elizabeth Ochaka and Lornah Faith were on the score sheet for Junior Starlets.
The U17 World Cup will be held in the Dominican Republic later this year.

Kenya moved to the final round of the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers after thrashing East African foes Ethiopia 3-0 in an epic qualifying match staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon.

The two sides had played to a barren draw in the first leg and Kenya needed a win of any kind to make it to the next round.

Although Junior Starlets started the match on a high, they found it difficult to penetrate to well-organized Ethiopian defence.

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However, their constant pressing eventually paid off in the 44th minute when Elizabeth Ochaka put the ball into the back of the net to send the Kenyan fans who had turned out in an encouraging number into wild celebrations.

After the break, Junior Starlets continued from where they had left, causing their opponents numerous problems.

The Ethiopian youngsters could not contain the pressure from the hosts, allowing Velma Owour to score a world from outside the box.

The goal was so good that Ethiopian shot-stopper Abebayehu Tassew stood helplessly and watched as the ball kissed the net.

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With the scoring reading 2-0, the visitors tried to get back into the game but Junior Starlets did not give them any room to cause damage.

As the Ethiopians were busy trying to look for their opener, Lornah Faith hit the final nail into their coffin, netting the third goal in the 73rd minute, which ensured Kenya qualified for the next round.

Speaking after the huge win, Junior Starlets tactician Mildred Cheche thanked Kenyans for the support.

“The fans coming today was a big positive for the players. They boosted the morale and played a big part in today’s win. I’m grateful to them,” he commented.

Junior Starlets will now play Burundi in the next round as they seek to qualify for the global showpiece, which will be held in the Dominican Republic later this year.

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