Kenya women’s U17 national team – Junior Starlets – will have a mountain to climb in their bid to make back-to-back World Cup appearances after falling 1-0 to visiting Cameron in the first-leg of their final round of qualifiers played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 20 April.Mildred Cheche’s side, who wrote new history by qualifying to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup last year, were left frustrated on a soggy afternoon after failing to capitalize on their numerous chances, and ultimately left to rue Cameroon’s only, but decisive moment in the first-half.F.T#JuniorStarlets #GoJuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/W2AdGmX3pC— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 20, 2025 Having come close to an opener – when Brenda Achieng was sent on her way in the 11th minute only to kiss the crossbar when one-on-one – Cameroon got their rare foray to count as they took the lead through a corner.It all came as the clock hit 25 minutes, when a slight lull in the Kenyan defense was punished by Cameroonian skipper Fraiche Tiwa Melong, who stood at the right spot inside the box to head in a deflected cross past Velma Abwire.Madaraka CreationsThe goal was the first Kenya had conceded in their rounds of qualifiers, having earlier emerged comfortable 5-0 victors over neighbors Uganda.In a bid to gain control of an already unsteady midfield, Cheche took off Achieng in place of Lindey Weey Atieno shortly after the hour-mark, but the hosts’ chances were limited, with Elizabeth Ochaka’s wayward shot from deep being the only thing close to an equalizer before the break.##NAJAVA_MECA_8867632##Another change after the break – to bring in Mitshel Waithera in place of Joy Angela Valencia – seemed to inject some threat into the comfortable visitor’s backline, as she tested Jessica Mabou.Mwanakombo Bakari soon smacked the crossbar with a strong shot from outside the box, and there were some close shaves.Joan Ogola, making a run from the left, looped over a long punt when clear, Edinah Nasipwondi hit her attempt over the bar at the hour-mark, and then there was Patience Asiko, who saw her press almost bear fruit, only for Mabou to scumper back to safety, saving her left-footed attempt just off the line.Shabana spank FC Talanta as Muranga Seal, Kariobangi Sharks share spoilsEvery passing moment thereafter, if not presenting a chance for Starlets to level the scores, offered the visitors – Baby Lionesses – to curl up and fall on the deck, wasting some precious seconds and making sure that they travelled back to Yaounde with a lead.So it proved the case, and not even another Asiko attempt with a minute to play altered the trajectory of the game in Nairobi.A home-leg defeat, and all roads lead to Olembe Stadium on Friday 25 April, when Junior Starlet’s destiny will be known.
