Kimberly Akinyi emerged as one of the standout players for Kenya at the ongoing 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, delivering a strong performance in the final Group C match against Mexico.The defender played a pivotal role in Kenya’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Mexico, securing the Junior Starlets’ first win of the tournament. This was Akinyi’s only start after being left out of the starting lineup against England and North Korea, although she made a brief appearance against Korea DPR.##NAJAVA_MECA_8466551##Akinyi’s commanding presence in the backline was crucial in Kenya’s historic triumph, despite the team exiting the tournament at the group stage. Kenya left the Dominican Republic with pride, having not only participated but also achieved their first-ever victory in a football World Cup.Reflecting on the win, Akinyi expressed her pride in representing Kenya on the global stage. “Walking off the pitch after that victory, I couldn’t have been prouder. It was a night we all gave our best, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills at this level,” she said.A student at Madira Girls High School, Akinyi credited the tournament with shaping her both as a player and a person. She emphasized the valuable lessons she learned, such as improving ball control, building international friendships, and adapting to different styles of play. The experience, she noted, taught her to think globally and boosted her self-confidence both on and off the field.Ulinzi, AFC Leopards to face off in Meru as Shabana hosts City Stars in KisiiBeyond football, Akinyi embraced the Caribbean culture, enjoying the local cuisine and the welcoming atmosphere in the Dominican Republic. “The food was incredible, and the people were so welcoming. It was a refreshing experience, and I loved every moment of it,” she shared.As a role model for aspiring footballers, Akinyi offered words of advice: “Success in this sport comes down to hard work and self-belief. Age shouldn’t be a barrier—at this World Cup, we faced teams like England, the USA, and North Korea, whose players are already playing professionally. You can achieve that too if you stay focused and determined.”Looking ahead, she sees potential for growth in the Junior Starlets, particularly in their attacking play. She believes the team needs to sharpen their finishing to become more clinical in future competitions. “Our pace is great, but we need to capitalize more in front of goal, especially in big matches,” she remarked.Kenyan players pick up victories in England, Norway and SwedenAPS Bomet defender opens up on challenges of balancing police duties and footballAkinyi also expressed her gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the team’s journey.”Even when things were tough in the first two matches, we felt your encouragement. Your belief in us helped us rise and secure that crucial win. We truly appreciate your dedication, from the qualification stages through our training camps all the way to the World Cup. It wasn’t an easy journey, but your support made a difference,” she said.Kenyan players pick up victories in England, Norway and Sweden
