Kenya women’s Under-17 national team (Junior Starlets) stormed the fourth and final round of the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after trashing Ethiopia 3-0 on Sunday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex – Nairobi.
Marion Serenge, Nyakach Girls forward Velma Awuor and substitute Lorna Faith were on target to ensure Starlets secures a final stage of the qualifier with an aggregate of 3-0, following a goalless draw in the first leg a week ago at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
It was towards the end of a quite frustrating first half for the hosts that Serenge broke the deadlock in the 44th, and in the 56th minute, Awuor doubled the advantage – which significantly smothered the visitors’
In the 74th minute, Faith sealed the sweet win for the Starlets, in match watched by among others; Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba his PS Peter Tum, and Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa.
The Mildred Cheche-coached side had an opportunity to score an early goal in the 70th minute through Joan Ogola but her shot was well cleared by Ethiopia’s keeper, Abebayehu Tasew Tsalito.
Ethiopia’s first clear chance came in the 10th minute when Hidat Red was left one-on-one with Kenyan custodian Velma Abwire, only to shoot wide from the box.
In the 23rd minute, Valarie Nekesa cleverly dribbled past Ethiopia defender Hellen Mamo and had only the keeper to beat, but was denied despite pulling the trigger strongly.
At the start of the second half, Coach Cheche introduced Quinter Odhiambo for goal scorer Serenge and Diana Onyango for Nekesa, which seemed to work but Ethiopia defence was very solid.
In the 74th minute, Ethiopia had another opportunity reduce the deficit through Bizuayehu Ttegaye, who however was caught offside.
Substitute Onyango was in a good chance to add Kenya a fourth goal but her 76th minute powerful shot was parried out by Lemlem Abayineh.
Starlets will now face either Burundi in the fourth and final round of the qualifiers for a chance to represent Cecafa region at the 2024 Under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
In aggregate Burundi overcome Djibouti 24-0 to book a date with Kenya.
