FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Teen Cranes set for high-stakes tie against Kenya

Uganda's Teen Cranes poised for crunch tie against Kenya's Junior Starlets. ©FUFA

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Teen Cranes set for high-stakes tie against Kenya

Stephen Awino 14:50 - 07.03.2025

Teen Cranes play host to Kenya's Junior Starlets in crucial 2025 FIFA women's world cup qualifiers.

The Uganda women’s national U-17 football team, the Teen Cranes, is set for a crucial face-off against their Kenyan counterparts, the Junior Starlets, in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

The much-anticipated first leg of the tie will take place on Saturday, March 8, at Uganda’s Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, before the return leg in Kenya on March 16.

As part of their preparations, the Teen Cranes, under the stewardship of head coach Shery Botes, have been in a residential training camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel since February 24

Ahead of the fixture, coach Botes provided insights into the team’s preparation, expressing confidence in their readiness for the showdown.

“We had eight days to prepare the team. From what we have done so far, we are confident we can give Kenya a run for their money,” she asserted as quoted by FUFA.

Acknowledging the quality of their opponents, she added, “They are a formidable team that has previously participated in the World Cup. They bring a lot of experience and skill, so I wouldn’t use the same team that played against Namibia.”

Botes further emphasized the importance of securing a victory at home to gain an upper hand before traveling for the second leg, stating, “One of our key areas of focus is to get the win at home.”

Meanwhile, the Junior Starlets arrived in Uganda on Thursday, determined to deliver a strong performance on foreign soil.

Their head coach, Mildred Cheche, expressed confidence in her team’s abilities and their readiness for the challenge.

“We are not worried. We are prepared. Football is a game of 90 minutes, and a lot can happen within that time,” she stated.

The clash between the Teen Cranes and the Junior Starlets promises to be an exciting and competitive battle as both sides vie for a spot in the prestigious global tournament.

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