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Here are some of the things Junior Starlets can take away from their 2-0 defeat against England in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener.
Kenya's Junior Starlets faced a tough introduction to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup campaign falling 2-0 to England in their Group C opener.
Despite the defeat, there were key moments and lessons to take away from the game that can shape the team's approach in upcoming fixtures.
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04:00 - 18.10.2024
Unlucky Junior Starlets lose to England in FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup opener
Marion Serenge and Valerie Nekesa tormented England's backline but could not find the scoring formula.
Pulse Sports looks at five takeaways from the match.
1.Strong defensive stance in the second half
While England dominated possession and created more chances, Kenya’s Junior Starlets showed greater resilience after the break.
Despite conceding a first-half penalty and a late second goal the defensive unit tightened up considerably in the second half with goalkeeper Velma Abwire standing out for her shot-stopping ability.
The side-netting effort by Valerie Nekesa and Kenya's defensive effort showed that the team can hold its own, especially with some fine-tuning.
2. Velma Abwire’s goalkeeping heroics
Velma Abwire was undoubtedly one of Kenya's standout performers as Kenyan keeper made several crucial saves, particularly in the first half when England’s attackers relentlessly pressured the defense.
From denying shots from Omotara Junaid to stopping Nelly Lass in a one-on-one, Abwire was key in keeping the scoreline from escalating further.
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10:00 - 18.10.2024
Junior Starlets' head coach Mildred Cheche lauds charges despite debut FIFA U-17 World Cup loss to England
The team fell to a 2-0 loss to England U-17 on their World Cup debut and opening fixture of group C.
The Madira Girls custodian's confidence between the posts will be vital in the Starlets’ upcoming matches.
3. Adjusting to FIFA’s VAR trial
Both teams utilized FIFA’s trial of allowing two VAR appeals per side, a new dynamic that can influence match outcomes.
While England’s appeal for a potential red card on Rebecca Odato was dismissed, Kenya’s VAR request for a penalty following a challenge by Cecily Wellesley-Smith was similarly rejected.
Understanding how to strategically leverage VAR will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
4. Limited offensive opportunities
Despite an improved second half, Kenya struggled to create consistent chances against England’s well-organized defense.
The side-netting shot by Valerie Nekesa was one of the few moments where Kenya threatened to pull a goal back.
To succeed in their next match, the Junior Starlets will need to focus on more creative and aggressive attacking play, especially against defensively strong teams like England.
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10:30 - 18.10.2024
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5. Learning from a tough opponent
This match highlighted the difference in experience between England and Kenya, but also the potential for growth within the Starlets’ squad.
England, with 580 passes and 17 shots on goal showed composure and patience, while Kenya can take away valuable lessons about maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
As Kenya prepares for their next fixture, this experience against one of the tournament’s stronger sides will be invaluable for building confidence and refining their approach.
Though Junior Starlets were unable to secure a result, the match showcased their potential and room for improvement.
Mildred Cheche's coached team will hope to bounce back as they continue their World Cup journey.
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