Kenya's Junior Starlets secured a comfortable victory over neighbors Uganda to claim advantage going into the second half.
The Kenya women’s national U-17 football team secured a crucial victory over Uganda in the first leg of their 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
The match, held at Uganda’s Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Saturday, saw the Kenyan youngsters dominate their opponents with a commanding 2-0 win.
Kenya's head coach, Mildred Cheche, entrusted Velma Abwire in goal, supported by defenders Elizabeth Ochaka and Lorine Ilavonga.
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The midfield was orchestrated by captain Halima Imbachi, while Brenda Achieng led the attack.
On the Ugandan side, coach Shery Botes fielded Haira Nabbosa as the shot-stopper, with Agnes Nabukenya captaining the team.
The Kenyan Starlets started the game with high intensity, controlling possession and pressing forward with intent.
They came close to opening the scoring in the 13th minute when a deflected ball fell to Edinah Nasipwondi who attempted an overhead kick, but the effort rattled the crossbar, denying Kenya an early lead.
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Despite relentless attacks, Uganda’s defense held firm, resisting the Starlets’ advances. However, momentum began to shift as the Teen Cranes settled into the game.
In the 27th minute, a well-worked move down the left flank saw Joan Ogolla deliver a cutback cross that narrowly missed Brenda Achieng, who was charging into the box.
Minutes later Uganda’s Nusulah Nakintu registered a rare shot on target, but it posed no real danger to Kenya’s goal.
Kenya’s persistence paid off in the 36th minute when a perfectly timed over-the-top ball caught the Ugandan defense off guard, setting up Nasipwondi for a one-on-one opportunity.
Remaining calm under pressure, she slotted the ball past the Ugandan goalkeeper to give Kenya a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
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Uganda nearly responded four minutes later when captain Agnes Nabukenya orchestrated a move from midfield but squandered the chance by skying her shot.
Kenya doubled their lead deep into first-half stoppage time. A poorly executed Ugandan throw-in landed at Nasipwondi’s feet, and she quickly fed the ball to Lorine Ilavonga.
Ilavonga then played a precise pass to Joan Ogolla, who unleashed a venomous strike, beating the Ugandan keeper and sending Kenya into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
The Starlets resumed the second half with the same attacking momentum and nearly tripled their lead just minutes in.
Judith Nandawa unleashed a powerful long-range shot that struck the woodwork, leaving Uganda lucky to avoid further damage.
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Brenda Achieng continued to shine, displaying her skill in the 53rd minute when she pickpocketed the Ugandan defense and embarked on a solo run, weaving past defenders in a dazzling display of dribbling ability but her attempt was saved.
Uganda struggled to mount a comeback as the Starlets switched into cruise control, maintaining their dominance and securing the 2-0 victory.
The win places Kenya in a favorable position ahead of the return leg, scheduled for March 16, where they will look to finish the job on home soil.