Junior Starlets target Teen Cranes scalp in hunt for U17 World Cup ticket

The highly anticipated showdown pits Kenya’s rising stars against Uganda’s Teen Cranes in a contest that could shape the road toward another appearance at the global showpiece.

Head coach Mildred Cheche has opted to maintain the core of the squad that comfortably swept aside Namibia in the previous qualification round, signalling confidence in the chemistry and consistency that has powered the team’s recent success.

Only three changes have been made to the travelling squad, with injuries forcing a slight reshuffle ahead of the regional derby.

Defender Rose Nangila misses out after undergoing surgery and failing to report to camp, while Lindey Weey has also been ruled out through injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.

In response, Cheche has called up Daisy Adongo and Grace Wangari, who are expected to strengthen the defence and midfield respectively as Kenya fine-tunes its approach for the crucial away assignment.

Versatile midfielder Noelina Akuku has also been included, giving the technical bench additional options in both defensive cover and attacking transitions.

Friday’s encounter is expected to reignite memories of last year’s meeting between the two sides, with Kenya hoping to once again assert dominance over their regional rivals and gain a vital advantage ahead of the return leg at Nyayo National Stadium on May 30.

Speaking ahead of the tie, defender Faith Boke insisted the squad remains fully focused on securing another World Cup qualification.

“We are not going to let you down. The team's motivation is to go to the World Cup. Last year, we faced different opponents, and this year too, but Uganda is the only side we faced last year and are facing again this year, so we want to get the job done and see who our next opponents will be,” said Boke.

Midfielder Tabitha Wambui echoed the confidence within the camp, noting that the players are mentally and physically prepared for the challenge awaiting them in Uganda.

“The camp has been good, we are training well, and the team is ready. We are fighting because qualifying for the World Cup will mean a lot to me. It will continue motivating other girls and me to keep working hard to achieve our goals,” she said.

Kenya heads into the match carrying momentum from their dominant aggregate victory over Namibia and will be eager to secure a positive result away from home before the decisive second leg in Nairobi.

Junior Starlets squad

Goalkeepers: Ng'ono Mishel, Wekhomba Martha, Vallary Achieng'; Defenders: Namisi Pauline, Brenda Awuor, Faith Boke, Sheila Atieno, Daisy Adongo, Iddah Mobutu, Grace Mumo; Midfielders: Bevarline Awuor, Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Fleviah Khatenje, Grace Wangari, Noelina Akuku; Forwards: Brenda Achieng, Patience Waithira, Emilly Adhiambo, Tabitha Wambui, Ivy Atieno, Elizabeth Alizeba, Gaudencia Maloba