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Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche has given the reasons for her team’s gallant performance against Mexico at the FIFA U17 World Cup where they recorded their maiden win.
Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche admits the lesser quality of Mexico was a big factor in her team’s historic victory at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Kenya registered a 2-1 win over Mexico to exit the tournament on a high on Thursday morning with Valarie Nekesa and Lornah Faith giving them a 2-0 first half lead before Mexico pulled one back late in the contest through Alexa Soto.
Cheche says her charges were rewarded for utilising their chances but also benefited from the fact that they were not facing a tough opponent as witnessed in their two previous games when they were outclassed by England and North Korea.
“The game was good, tactically, we got it right and the girls gave us their best. We are thankful that we are not going home empty-handed,” Cheche said after the match.
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06:28 - 24.10.2024
Junior Starlets make history with victory over Mexico at Women's U17 World Cup
Kenya's Junior Starlets exited the Women's U17 World Cup in historic fashion after securing their first win following a 2-1 victory against Mexico.
“The quality of the opponent also matters and today, we were better than Mexico and we have utilised our chances and also got more.
“A win for us means we are the first Kenyan team to feature at a World Cup and also win a match. Even if we have not qualified for the next round, it is a big thing for the country and the girls to win a match at a World Cup.”
Kenya had lost 2-0 to England and 3-0 to North Korea, which saw them eliminated at the group stage before Thursday’s match, but found their mojo back against the Mexicans.
“The first two games were not easy because the quality of the opponent was top, especially Korea and England. Against Mexico, it was a little easier because we outdid them in a few areas like speed and taking our chances,” she added.
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09:08 - 24.10.2024
Lorna Faith Wasike wins Kenya's first-ever award at the FIFA Women's U17 World Cup
The striker scored Kenya's second goal in the 2-1 win against Mexico and she was crowned player of the match.
“Next step is for the government and federation to continue lifting these girls because they have talent and need more international friendlies and tournaments so that next year, when we want to play in the qualifiers, they are ready and well prepared.”
Kenya’s display has earned them praise not just from fans back home but also Mexico coach Rojas Jimena who feels they are destined for greatness.
"My young squad wanted to win the encounter but a few blunders at the back cost us the victory. I must commend Kenya for scoring those two beautiful goals. They were fast, strong and I think their players have a future in the sport if they stick together," said Jimena.
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