Kenya’s Junior Starlets Miss Quarter-Finals After Defeat To Japan

Kenya’s Junior Starlets have missed out on a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after Japan overturned an early deficit to claim a 3-1 victory in Morocco.

Brenda Achieng gave Kenya hope of another memorable result when she opened the scoring in the 30th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé.

However, the 2014 champions responded with three goals to end the East Africans’ progress in the competition.

The result denied Kenya an opportunity to build on their breakthrough qualification for the knockout rounds.

Their campaign had gathered momentum after a convincing 4-0 win over Samoa secured a place in the last 16.

Japan had created several opportunities before Achieng struck. The Kenyan forward capitalised on a long pass from captain Bervalyne Awuor, controlled the ball and drove a low effort beyond goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

The lead lasted only briefly. Hanashiro Mei brought Japan level after reacting to a loose ball following a deflected attempt by Noa Ito.

Both teams continued to threaten before the interval, with Japan coming particularly close when Yuka Kishida’s header hit the crossbar.

Kenya survived another scare early in the second half when Nana Kurita struck the woodwork from a corner situation.

The Japanese forward eventually found the breakthrough shortly before the hour, putting her side in front.

As Kenya searched for an equaliser, Japan increased their advantage in the 74th minute.

Substitute Asuka Tanaka received Runa Sumiya’s delivery, created room to shoot and found the net after her effort took a deflection off the inside of the post.

Japan will now face Ghana in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of another world title.

https://x.com/StarletsKE/status/2115898311299268699

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