Kenya’s U17 girls’ team, the Junior Starlets, will be seeking to defy the odds and beat Cameroon tonight in the final 2025 Women’s World Cup final round qualifier.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe tie kicks off at 9:00 PM EAT at the Olémbé Omnisport Stadium in Yaoundé, with the winner punching a ticket to Rabat 2025.##NAJAVA_MECA_8884599##Trailing 1-0 from the first leg played in Nairobi last Sunday, the Starlets must win by at least one goal to force penalties or secure a two-goal margin to qualify outright.Cameroon’s Tiwa Melong struck in the first half of that match, giving the Baby Lionesses a slender lead heading into the return leg.Despite the setback, Kenya remains hopeful of overturning the deficit and sealing a second successive World Cup appearance.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: The form 2 student at Kenya U17 capable of playing anywhere on the pitchStarlets departed Nairobi early Wednesday morning, focused and fired up. Head coach Mildred Cheche, who had guided the team through six unbeaten qualifiers before the narrow loss, now faces her toughest challenge yet—keeping Kenya’s World Cup dreams alive.Just 90 minutes stand between the team and a place at the global tournament. And while the odds may appear stacked in favour of Cameroon, Cheche believes in her players to turn around the tide.Her defense, breached for the first time in the qualifiers last weekend, will be anchored by dependable center-back Elizabeth Ochaka, supported by Judith Nandwa, Lorine Ilavonga, and Jenevive Mithel.The backline will need to be at its sharpest to protect goalkeeper Velma Abwire and keep an important clean sheet.MATCH DAY Cameroon U17 vs Kenya U17 Venue: Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon Time: 9PM EAT#TeamKenya pic.twitter.com/KhNImIDf4L— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) April 25, 2025 Team captain Halima Imbachi is optimistic the squad can turn things around in Yaoundé.“We’ve worked hard in training, and our coaches have corrected our mistakes. We’re going to give it everything to make sure we get the win,” Imbachi said ahead of the tie.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877587##Alongside her are experienced teammates, midfield dynamo Lindy Weey, and goal threat Joan Ogola are all expected to bring calmness and leadership on the field.Adding firepower are exciting new faces like Nandwa, Anita Bakaria, Brenda Achieng, and Edinah Nasipwondi—standouts from Kenya’s commanding 5-0 aggregate win over Uganda in the previous round.Their pace and hunger could prove decisive under the Yaoundé lights.Double promotion hero Molvine Owuor elated after Kayole Starlets exploitsIn a show of unity and encouragement, the team received a morale boost on Tuesday night during a dinner hosted by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed.Joining the event was Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, who lauded the team’s achievements and pledged the government’s continued support.“These young girls have shown immense resilience to reach this stage. For them, it’s a milestone. For us, it’s about investing in the future of sport. We’ll support them all the way,” Mwangi affirmed.
