Junior Starlets Confident of Beating Uganda in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier
Junior Starlets forward Emily Adhiambo says Kenya is confident of defeating Uganda in the return leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets players celebrate scoring against Namibia during the return leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Junior Starlets seem pretty sure they will outdo Uganda in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, at least that’s the mood around Kenya’s camp. Emily Adhiambo, the Kenya women’s national under-17 football team forward, said the return match on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium is one they can win, like straight up, no panic.
Kenya heads into this decisive leg after a 1-1 draw in the first game, played at FUFA Stadium in Kampala last week. Uganda had the early spark, Shadia Nabirye finding the net in the 11th minute, and then Adhiambo came through for Kenya with the equaliser, so it ended level.
Adhiambo said the result actually worked in their favour, giving the squad that extra belief before playing at home. “Uganda wanted maximum points at home, but we fought hard for the draw,” she said, then she added that now they “understand their strengths and weaknesses,” which they will use in the second leg, maybe more smart, more calm, you know.
She also pointed out that Uganda’s pace is one of their biggest weapons, but insisted Kenya has planned for it already.
“I am confident we will qualify for the World Cup,” Adhiambo said.
Defender Pauline Namisi joined the optimism too, saying they corrected the areas that slipped in Kampala.
“We have trained well under coach Mildred Cheche, and improved on the areas that let us down,” Namisi said, and she urged supporters to come out. “I urge fans to turn up in large numbers at Nyayo Stadium to support us, we will not disappoint them,” she added.
From the bigger picture, Kenya is pushing for a spot in the final stage of the qualifiers, while Uganda’s Teen Cranes are hoping to overturn earlier frustrations. Remember, Uganda was hit hard before, suffering a 5-0 aggregate loss to Kenya in the previous qualifying run.
Meanwhile, coach Mildred Cheche could get a notable boost before kick off, with defender Rose Nangila and midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno returning after injuries. Atieno previously also scored during Kenya’s 2-1 win over Namibia women’s national under-17 football team earlier in the qualifiers.
The aggregate winner will move on to the final qualification round, where they will face either Tanzania women’s national under-17 football team or South Africa women’s national under-17 football team.
And for the main event, the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Kenya is hoping for a second consecutive appearance, after making their debut in the Dominican Republic in 2024.
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