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Junior Starlets are set to face Cameroon in the first leg of their 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers
Junior Starlets assistant coach David Vijago has exuded confidence in his side’s ability to edge out Cameroon and secure a historic qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October 7 to November 8.
Vijago, who also coaches Kibera Soccer Ladies in the Kenya Women Premier League, believes Kenya has what it takes to overcome the final hurdle in their bid to make back-to-back appearances at the global showpiece.
“The preparation is going on well, and we are looking forward to beating Cameroon,” said Vijago in an interview with Citizen Digital.
“Our opponents love playing a physical game, but we have trained our girls on how to contain them come Sunday.”
The first leg of the crucial two-legged qualifier will be held this Sunday, April 20, at Nyayo Stadium, before the second leg takes place on April 25 at Stade Olembe in Yaoundé.
Despite minor injury scares in camp, including Joan Ogola picking up a knock, Vijago offered reassurance that the team is nearing full fitness.
“We have few players who picked knocks like Joan Ogola but I’m happy that they are doing well and will be back on the pitch soon.”
Morocco win a morale booster
The Junior Starlets returned to Nairobi on April 10 after completing a successful international tour, where they played two friendlies against Morocco.
They were held to a 1-1 draw on April 4, before ending the tour on a high with a 2-0 win on April 8 at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex.
“The two international friendlies we had with Morocco were very crucial to us, and they gave us a chance to gauge the players,” said Vijago. “The players in the camp are responding well.”
The assistant coach also made an impassioned plea to local supporters to rally behind the team:
“What we are appealing for now is for our fans to turn up in large numbers to support the girls. The girls need the 12th player, who is the fan, to boost their morale. Let’s fill Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.”
The Junior Starlets earned their place in the final round of qualification after dispatching Uganda with an emphatic 5-0 aggregate win in the second round. The dominant display showcased the team’s blend of skill, discipline, and tactical maturity.
Now just two matches away from booking their ticket to Morocco, Kenya’s young talents are determined to prove that their maiden appearance in the previous edition was no fluke.
Should they triumph over Cameroon, they will join the elite cast of nations at the 9th edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup — a stage that offers a priceless opportunity for development, exposure, and national pride.
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