President William Ruto congratulates Junior Starlets through a video call after World Cup qualification on July 12 / Screengrab
President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya’s Junior Starlets after they qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, praising the team for making the country proud.
Speaking through a video call after the match on Sunday, Ruto lauded the players for their impressive performance and pledged his full support as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco.
“You have made us very proud. I love you guys, you have made our country proud. Congratulations, and I’m very proud of you. You can count on my support one hundred per cent,” the President said.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed and other leaders were present during the President’s virtual address.
The Junior Starlets secured qualification after defeating South Africa’s Bantwana 3-1 in the second leg of the final qualifying round at Nyayo National Stadium.
The victory handed Kenya a dominant 5-1 aggregate win, having beaten South Africa 2-0 in the first leg in Pretoria, and sealed the country’s second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
South Africa made a bright start, with captain Katleho Malebana scoring in the fifth minute to reduce the aggregate deficit after capitalising on a defensive lapse.
However, the Junior Starlets responded strongly to maintain control of the tie and complete another memorable qualification campaign in front of a capacity home crowd.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Morocco.
Kenya emerged from the break with renewed intensity and turned the contest around in impressive fashion. Gaudencia Maloba headed home the equaliser before Brenda Awuor calmly converted a penalty to give the hosts the lead.
Substitute Elizabeth Alizeba then capped a clinical counter-attack moments after coming off the bench, sealing a 3-1 victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among thousands of fans who had responded to the #BringTheGameHome campaign.
Maloba had rallied supporters before the decisive encounter, urging Kenyans to fill Nyayo Stadium. “We want to welcome all Kenyans, starting with our President, to come and watch our match. We promise we will not disappoint. We know South Africa is a good team and will come with a different mentality, but we are up to the task,” she said.
The qualification marks another milestone for coach Mildred Cheche, who guided Kenya to their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance in 2024. She is now the first Kenyan coach to lead a national football team to two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The expanded 24-team tournament will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
