Junior Starlets target first leg edge as Uganda seek revenge

Junior Starlets celebrate during a past match against Namibia at Ulinzi Sports complex/ JUNIOR STARLETS 

Junior Starlets Eye First-Leg Advantage Against Uganda in World Cup Qualifier Kenya’s Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche says her side is ready for the challenge Uganda will present in Kampala as they seek a crucial first-leg advantage in today’s second-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Cheche wants Kenyans to assert themselves early and avoid carrying pressure into next week’s return leg in Nairobi. “We have prepared well and are ready for the challenge in Kampala,” said Cheche. “We want to finish the job in the first leg and make things easier for ourselves ahead of the return match in Nairobi.”

The tie comes as the Junior Starlets pursue another historic qualification run, having become the first Kenyan football team to feature at a FIFA World Cup during the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic.

The winner between Kenya and Uganda will progress to the final qualification round, where either Tanzania or South Africa await. Africa will produce four qualifiers for the tournament alongside hosts Morocco.

Kenya head into the fixture with confidence after eliminating Uganda 5-0 on aggregate in the same qualifiers last year, winning 2-0 away before sealing progression with a 3-0 victory at home.

However, Cheche expects a tougher contest this time, particularly because of Uganda’s pace and physical approach. “Uganda have a good team and speedy players,” said Cheche. “We have worked on helping the girls cope with speedy and aggressive opponents because this match will be different from what we faced against Namibia.”

Kenya reached the second round after dismantling Namibia 7-1 on aggregate, recovering to win 2-1 away before cruising to a 5-0 home victory. Much of the current squad is built around players who featured during Kenya’s historic World Cup campaign, an experience Cheche believes continues to shape the team’s mentality.

“For all our players, we are creating a World Cup mentality,” Cheche said. She added that the technical bench wants the squad to maintain the discipline, confidence and composure gained from competing against top football nations.

Kenya will, however, be without injured defender Rose Nangila and midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno, forcing changes to the squad ahead of the Kampala clash. “It is a big blow to miss two important players, but we have enough depth to cover their absence,” Cheche said. “Playing Uganda away will not be easy, but we will fight hard for victory.”

Uganda arrive in strong form after brushing aside Zimbabwe 6-1 on aggregate in the opening qualification round. Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has retained most of the squad that impressed against Zimbabwe and believes her players are ready to challenge one of East Africa’s strongest sides.

“We know Kenya is a solid team, especially when playing at home,” said Botes. “But the girls are motivated, disciplined and ready to fight for a positive result.” “We must make the most of every scoring opportunity,” Botes added, as Uganda target both victory and a clean sheet before travelling to Nairobi.