Junior Starlets Target World Cup Quarter-Final Spot Against Japan

Kenya’s Junior Starlets will have a chance to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time when they meet Japan in the Round of 16 on Thursday, October 29.

The match comes after the Kenyan side secured their maiden knockout-stage appearance with a convincing 4-0 victory over Samoa in Morocco.

The result offered a strong response to their earlier defeats against China PR and the United States and kept their tournament journey alive.

Coach Mildred Cheche’s team entered the final Group E fixture knowing that a four-goal winning margin was needed to boost their chances of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.

They met that target, earning a place among the last 16.

Mwanakombo Bakari set the tone with an early goal in the fifth minute, while Brenda Awuor extended Kenya’s lead shortly before the interval.

Gaudancia Maloba made it 3-0 in the 61st minute, and Bakari completed the scoring two minutes later. Her two goals earned her the Player of the Match award.

Japan now stand between the Starlets and a place in the last eight.

Their opponents have a strong history in the competition, having won the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014 and finished second in 2010 and 2016.

Japan have also won the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup four times.

Kenya’s previous appearance at the tournament came in 2024 in the Dominican Republic, where they exited in the group stage after recording two defeats and a draw.

The Round of 16 tie will be played at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm East African Time on Thursday.

https://x.com/StarletsKE/status/2114460873955627129

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