National U17 women’s team Junior Starlets are now a step away from qualifying for the 2024 U17 World Cup set to be staged in the Dominican Republic later this year.The Mildred Cheche-coached side defeated Ethiopia 3-0 in a third-round second-leg qualification match on Sunday.Kenya’s goals came from skipper Elizabeth Ochaka who headed in a minute to halftime, before Velma Owour and Lorna Faith unleashed long-range stunners to wrap up the comprehensive aggregate win having played out to a barren draw in Ethiopia last week.Inside Cheche’s tactical masterpiece that outclassed Ethiopia in U17 World Cup QualiferVictory for Starlets set up a date with Burundi in the fourth and final qualification round set for June, where the winner will advance to the World Cup.Ahead of the crucial clash that puts the youngsters on the verge of history, as the first Kenyan side to play in the World Cup, Women Premier League (WPL) coach Joseph Wambua has called on the federation to ensure the team’s preparations are top notch.“We are close to history and having watched the youngsters play, we have a real chance at qualification. We have a good squad that needs the right environment to prepare for Burundi. JUNIOR STARLETS JUST TWO GAMES AWAY FROM HISTORIC WOMEN WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION Kenya’s under-17 national team, the Junior Starlets, stands on the verge of making history, with just two matches separating them from Women World Cup qualification. pic.twitter.com/i4iVXe6Xgj— Min. of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports (@moyasa_ke) May 21, 2024 We have seen the men’s teams get to play tournaments to prepare for crucial competitions and were the same to be extended to the women’s team their chances would get better,” Wambua offered.The tactician lauded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for their efforts in improving the women’s game through the leagues and ensuring the national teams are in action, but in a quick rejoinder called for more.“The talent we have as a country is immense and qualifying for some of these competitions is possible with good planning. This would be a good place to start,” Wambua added.Three African teams are set to represent the continent. The other final-round match-ups pit Zambia against Morocco while Liberia take on Nigeria.##NAJAVA_MECA_8117669##
