Kenyans have expressed optimism about the Kenya U17 Women’s chances of overturning the first-leg result and qualifying for a second successive World Cup.The Junior Starlets hosted their Cameroonian counterparts in the final qualification round of the 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup. The first-leg match ended 1-0 in favor of Cameroon.##NAJAVA_MECA_8868121##Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsIn a match marked by missed opportunities—including two shots that hit the crossbar—Cameroon proved more clinical, capitalizing on a half-chance: a 25th-minute corner headed into the net by captain Tiwa Melong.The result means the Junior Starlets face an uphill task of securing an away victory in Cameroon in the second leg if they are to qualify for the global tournament for a second consecutive time.Kenya U17 captain on what must be done to overturn loss to CameroonReacting to the first-leg result and Kenya’s World Cup prospects, the majority of fans expressed optimism about a potential away win, both on social media and in reactions shared with Mozzart Sport.Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed led the football fraternity in expressing confidence.“That was a good display from the Junior Starlets. Despite the setback, you have everything to play for in the return leg. Keep your spirits high and stay focused on overturning the result in Cameroon. You can do it,” Mohammed posted on his Facebook page.Win for Kenyan duo in Armenia as Lenkupae sits out in AustraliaNelly Kilambi also praised the Junior Starlets and backed them to perform better in Yaoundé, Cameroon.“The Starlets dominated the second half by far. Cameroon were very tactical—their time-wasting tactics were top-notch. It was a very short second half.The Starlets can still turn things in their favor in the second leg. In my opinion, they’ve been outstanding,” she remarked.AFC Leopards fan Min Blessin questioned coach Mildred Cheche’s decision to substitute Brenda Achieng in the first half, replacing her with Linde Weey Atieno. Nonetheless, she remains hopeful about Kenya’s chances.“It’s unfortunate we lost at home. I’m tempted to fault the emotional substitution in the first half, but the coach knows best. We have a strong team, and I believe we can surprise Cameroon in the return leg. A 2-0 win on their home turf will be tough but POSSIBLE,” she stated.Kenya U17 captain on what must be done to overturn loss to CameroonWinston Richard felt the Starlets were let down by their physicality and offered a suggestion.“It’s all down to physique. FKF should deploy scouts at the ward level to identify tall but talented girls who can be nurtured to compete at higher levels.I’m sure we can find 50 girls in Kenya the size of Elizabeth Ochaka,” he said.Fredrick Odhiambo Snr, a passionate supporter of women’s football, attributed the loss to tactical misjudgment by Coach Cheche.“We needed Lindey to steady the midfield, but Coach Cheche let emotions override strategy. You’re already a goal down to a solid Cameroonian side, the midfield is collapsing, and you desperately need a goal—so why withdraw your striker, Brenda Achieng?This was not the time to gamble. Instead of controlling the tempo and building chances for the striker, we now had Lindey forced into a forward role she’s not suited for—no pace, against a high defensive line.How do we expect to score without a true striker on the pitch? Tactical discipline matters,” said Odhiambo.‘I will be the first’: Hellen Obiri eyes historic Boston Marathon three-peatAnother women’s football enthusiast, Mjumbe Atenya, felt Cameroon had thoroughly studied Kenya and urged Coach Cheche to work harder to overturn the result.“The Baby Lionesses of Cameroon really understand our football culture. They were physically superior—that’s what they’ve been training for. We must also analyze their style of play.Speed alone won’t close the one-goal deficit away. The technical bench must adopt a more modern tactical approach,” said Atenya.Another fan, Morris Mulwa Mitangi, acknowledged Cameroon’s tactical edge but remained confident in Kenya’s chances.“The Starlets dominated the second half by far. Cameroon were very tactical, especially with time-wasting. It made the second half feel very short. Still, the Starlets can turn it around in the second leg. In my opinion, they’ve been outstanding!” he stated.Shabana spank FC Talanta as Muranga Seal, Kariobangi Sharks share spoils
