Junior Starlets make history with victory over Mexico at Women's U17 World Cup

Junior Starlets make history with victory over Mexico at Women's U17 World Cup

Evans Ousuru 06:28 - 24.10.2024

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.

Kenya Under-17 women's football team has made history following their 2-1 victory over Mexico on October 24 at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic

The glory marks Kenya's first ever win in a FIFA World Cup as Mildred Cheche's charges secured their only win in group C to exit the three-week competition on a high.

Valarie Nekesa gave Kenya the lead after finding the back of the net in the 15th minute and 20 minutes later, Lornah Faith doubled the advantage to give the East African nation a two-goal cushion heading into halftime.

The North American team pulled one back in the second half, but the Junior Starlets held on to their victory. It was also the first time Kenya scored a goal at the global stage after coming short in the 2-0 and 3-0 losses against England and North Korea respectively. The pair also booked their slots in the next round.

Coach Cheche made two key changes to the team in defense with Quinter Odiwuor and Kimberly Akinyi stepping in for Lorine Ilavonga and Diana Anyango. The duo joined captain Elizabeth Ochaka and Christine Adhiambo to form a refreshed backline at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in the Dominican Republic.

Upfront, the attacking trio of Faith, Nekesa, and Marion Serenge was trusted once again to lead the attack while the midfield also remained unchanged.