Kenya U17 captain Elizabeth Ochaka has revealed that their target in the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic next month is to grace the semi-finals on their debut. The Junior Starlets, currently in a training camp in Spain, secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Valencia on Wednesday night in their first friendly match ahead of their debut appearance at the tournament. Valarie Nekesa and Lindey Weey Atieno each netted a brace in the game.##NAJAVA_MECA_8361366##Ochaka, who will lead the team in the Dominican Republic, praised the victory as an essential step in their preparations. Kenya has two more friendly matches lined up—against Portugal on Friday 27 September and Intercity on Monday 30 September —which Ochaka believes will further sharpen the team’s readiness.“It was a great match for us, and the win brings a lot of motivation as we head into the World Cup. We are eager to win the next two friendlies. Our target is to reach the semi-finals, and facing strong teams similar to our World Cup opponents is a huge boost and inspiration,” she told Citizen Radio.AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo blames ‘juju’ for derby mistakes, vows to end Gor Mahia’s dominanceMidfielder Pearl Olesi echoed Ochaka’s sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the team’s progress. “We’re enjoying our time in Spain. The training has been intense, and we’re looking forward to these friendlies. Our goal is to get positive results and continue improving as we prepare for the World Cup.”The U17 World Cup will kick off on Wednesday 16 October and run until Sunday 3 November. The Junior Starlets will face England on Friday 18 October, Korea DPR on Sunday 20 October, and wrap up their group stage against Mexico on Thursday 24 October.##NAJAVA_MECA_8361361##Final SquadGoalkeepers: Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia AwuorDefenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana AnyangoMidfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna FaithForwards: Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia
