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Junior Starlets will be looking to bounce back against Korea DPR at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2024,
Junior Starlets will take on North Korea on Sunday in their second Group C match at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
After a narrow 2-0 defeat to England in their opening match, Kenya's young squad led by standout player Marion Serenge is determined to bounce back and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Serenge, the youngest in a family deeply rooted in football, is no stranger to high-pressure situations.
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18:00 - 18.10.2024
Junior Starlets striker Marion Serenge reveals key factor in U-17 World Cup loss to England
Marion Serenge has blamed unlucky defeat to England during the side's World Cup debut to one major factor.
The daughter of former Kenyan professional Fred Serenge and the younger sister of current pro Amwayi Serenge, she has embraced her family's football legacy with pride.
However, what makes her journey remarkable is that she has become the first member of her family to grace the World Cup stage.
"I can say it's special, it's not easy for some people, but we thank God for the talent and the gift that he gifted us," Serenge said in an exclusive interview with FIFA.
"As a family, we keep on pushing so that we can encourage each other to make it to a higher level and bigger stages."
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16:00 - 18.10.2024
5 takeaways from Junior Starlets' loss to England in FIFA U-17 World Cup opener
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.
Serenge was instrumental in Kenya's qualification for the tournament, scoring two critical goals during the campaign.
In their opening match against England, despite the loss, she was one of Kenya's standout performers, showcasing her skills on the global stage.
Now, as Kenya prepares for their second game against Korea DPR, Serenge is optimistic that the team will show significant improvement.
"Since it's our first experience, I know we are going to work better," she said.
"It's not that we have lost it all, it's just the start. We know that we are going to make it."
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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.
The upcoming match against Korea DPR, who dominated Mexico 4-1 in their first game, is expected to be a tough challenge for Kenya.
North Korea, with its formidable reputation in youth football, will undoubtedly test the resilience and tactical discipline of the Junior Starlets.
However, Kenya remains hopeful and determined to rise to the occasion, now more familiar with the intensity of World Cup competition.
Serenge’s confidence is contagious within the team, as they look to gain momentum and secure a positive result in their second group match.
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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.
Having shaken off the nerves from their debut appearance, the Junior Starlets believe they can hold their own against the Asian powerhouses.
"It's a big inspiration, a big motivation to our family. And as for me, I'm very happy for it, since I'm the first one to make it to the World Cup," Serenge added.
"I can say the experience is very good, since it's my first time to experience such a big stage like a World Cup. I can say it's a nice experience."
The team's coaching staff has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and improving key aspects of their game, such as defensive organization and finishing, which proved challenging in the opener against England.
With their World Cup fate potentially hanging in the balance, the match against Korea DPR will be critical for Kenya's chances of progressing from the group stage.
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