The Kenya U17 women’s team, Junior Starlets, advanced to the third round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers second round against counterparts DR Congo.
CAF officially confirmed the Junior Starlets’ qualification following the withdrawal of DR Congo’s U17 girls’ national team from the ongoing qualifiers.
“We were looking forward to the match against DR Congo; however, due to recent developments, we won’t be facing them. Nevertheless, this situation presents an advantage as we can now focus on our preparations for the upcoming qualifier against our next opponent, ” said Coach Cheche
Following the qualification, Kenya’s Junior Starlets are set to face the winner of the match between South Africa and Ethiopia in the upcoming third round of the qualifiers. The two-legged qualifier is scheduled to take place from May 10 to May 19, 2024.
“In light of these recent developments, the team’s training camp has been cut short, and the players have been released to return to their respective schools and clubs,” noted FKF in a statement.
See you in the 3rd round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Qualifiers, where we play either🇿🇦 or 🇪🇹! #JuniorStarlets https://t.co/RrnKTHjstx
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 4, 2024
Kenya seeks to make a maiden appearance in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup which will take place in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to 3 November. A total of three teams from the AFC, three from CAF, three from CONMEBOL, three from UEFA, two from Concacaf (plus the host Dominican Republic), and one from the OFC will take part in the tournament.
With the African U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament having only three slots, Junior Starlets will have to ensure they win and qualify in the four rounds which will be held between 8th December 2023 and 16th June 2024.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Abwire (Wiyeta Sec.Sch.), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Sec.), Effie Awuor (Madira Girls), Esther Akumu (Kibaoni Sec.)
Defenders
Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Elizebeth Ochaka (Shiraha Starlets), Clare Meries (Kobala Sec. Sch), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Rose Nangila (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls Sec.), Vivian Amondi (Dr. Charles Sec. Inyanzi), Judith Nandwa (Butere Girls), Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls)
Midfielders
Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed), Shani Stacy Shemaiah (Shree Cutch Sastsang), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls), Bridgit Maria (Wiyeta Sec. Sch), Sheila Akinyi (Kariobangi North Sec.), Susan Akoth (Acakoro Ladies), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls)
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls), JoyAngela Valencia (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior High School), Diana Anyango (Butere Girls), Winnie Wangeci (Dadstar), Catherine Wambui (Madira Girls), Patience Kasichana (Uweza Women), Marvelous Joy (Ogande Girls), Marion Serenge (Arch Bishop Njenga)
