The Kenya U17 women’s team, Junior Starlets, kicked off their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Uganda at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo putting them in pole position to qualify for the global showpiece.Junior Starlets, along with Nigeria and Zambia, were given a bye in the first round after securing their places in the 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.Uganda entered the match on the back of a dominant 18-1 aggregate win over Namibia in the first round. They hoped to carry this momentum into the game against Kenya, a team that has shown significant progress in women’s football in recent years.Nyayo Stadium to host first international match after eight months of renovationsLineupsUganda, coached by Sheryl Botes, started with a 4-3-3 formation. Hairat Nabbosa was in goal, with Zidah Asiimwe and Martha Babirye at center-back.Joyce Kainza and Katusiime played as fullbacks. Shamirah Namukabirye, Mariam Namataka, and Agnes Nabukenya formed the midfield trio, while Shadia Nabirye and Dorine Aujat were the wingers, with Nusulah Nakintu leading the attack.##NAJAVA_MECA_8762676##Uganda’s strategy focused on wing play and hitting long balls behind Kenya’s defense, which Junior Starlets defended with a high line but failed to pressure the ball effectively further up the pitch.This lack of pressure allowed Uganda’s midfielders and defenders to play easily into space behind the defense or split passes through the midfield.Sheryl Botes’ attacking trio, with their speed and strength, often chased these balls into dangerous areas but struggled with the final ball, which lacked precision. In defense, Uganda set up in a 4-4-2/4-5-1 formation and opted for long balls rather than building from the back.Former Kariobangi Sharks analyst earns promotion at Premier League side Aston VillaOn the other hand, Mildred Cheche set up Kenya in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Velma Abwire was in goal, with Lorine Ilavonga and Elizabeth Ochaka as central defenders. Jenevive Mithel and Judith Nandwa played as fullbacks, while Halima Imbachi and Mwanakombo Bakari formed the double pivot.Lindey Weey Atieno operated just ahead of the midfield duo, with Joan Ogola and Edinah Hasipwondi deployed as wingers. Brenda Achieng led the line for the Junior Starlets.Cheche’s approach also relied on wing play and long balls into space behind the defense for Achieng, Ogola, and Hasipwondi to chase. Similar to Uganda, Kenya defended with a high line but did not apply enough pressure higher up the pitch.##NAJAVA_MECA_8762667##This allowed the Junior Starlets’ defenders, particularly Nandwa, to play balls behind Uganda’s defensive line, with the attackers making well-timed runs to chase them.Kenya occasionally built from the back, with the two center-backs splitting wide to receive the ball from the goalkeeper. Bakari or Imbachi would drop to form a triangle with the defenders, helping them bypass Uganda’s 2v1 press. From there, Kenya often played long balls into the channels or behind the defense.Kenya’s midfield was strong, with Imbachi and Bakari controlling the center, allowing Atieno to pull the strings. Atieno was effective in linking up play with the wingers and striker, often playing defense-splitting passes that exposed Uganda’s defensive vulnerabilities.Trends Gen Z are using to reshape Kenyan football cultureHasipwondi and Ogola were direct and dangerous on the wings, using their pace and 1v1 skills to beat defenders. Atieno created these 1v1 situations by drawing in Uganda’s defenders and releasing the ball just in time, isolating the Ugandan fullbacks.GoalsThe Junior Starlets’ goals were perfect examples of Cheche’s tactical plan. The first goal came when Uganda cleared an Ilavonga delivery, and the ball fell to Nandwa.##NAJAVA_MECA_8766924##She immediately launched a long diagonal pass to Hasipwondi, who controlled and beat Nabbosa at the near post. This goal exposed Uganda’s defensive weakness of defending with a high line without pressure on the ball.The second goal was another textbook example of Cheche’s strategy. Hasipwondi won possession high up the pitch, and with little pressure, she passed to Atieno, who then set up Ogola. Using her pace, Ogola outpaced her marker to get to the ball and slotted it home at the far post.In the second half, both coaches made adjustments to try to take control of the game. Uganda introduced substitutions to add firepower to their attack and shifted to a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation when out of possession.Kenya Police head coach confident of cup double after win over MOFAIn response, Cheche instructed her fullbacks to stay deeper and form a defensive four, outnumbering Uganda’s three attackers. This adjustment allowed Kenya to successfully defend their 2-0 lead until the final whistle, giving them a solid advantage heading into the second leg.
