Junior Starlets make history by defeating Mexico at the Women's U17 World Cup.

The Kenya Under-17 women's football team made history with their 2-1 victory over Mexico on October 24 during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The victory marks Kenya's first win in a FIFA World Cup, as Mildred Cheche's team secured their only win in Group C, exiting the three-week competition on a high note.

Valarie Nekesa gave Kenya the lead by scoring in the 15th minute. Twenty minutes later, Lornah Faith doubled the advantage, giving the East African nation a two-goal cushion heading into halftime.

The North American team managed to score one goal in the second half, but the Junior Starlets held on to secure their victory. This match marked the first time Kenya scored a goal on the global stage, having previously lost 2-0 to England and 3-0 to North Korea. Both teams have now booked their spots in the next round.

Coach Cheche implemented two significant changes to the team's defense,, bringing in Quinter Odiwuor and Kimberly Akinyi to replace Lorine Ilavonga and Diana Anyango. The new duo joined captain Elizabeth Ochaka and Christine Adhiambo to create a revamped backline at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in the Dominican Republic.

The attacking trio of Faith, Nekesa, and Marion Serenge was once again trusted to lead the attack, while the midfield remained unchanged.

Five lessons from Junior Starlets' 2-0 loss to England in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener.

Kenya's Junior Starlets faced a challenging start to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup campaign, losing 2-0 to England in their Group C opener. Despite the defeat, there were important moments and lessons from the game that can guide the team's approach in their upcoming matches.

1. Strong defensive stance in the second half

While England dominated possession and created more chances, Kenya's Junior Starlets demonstrated greater resilience in the second half. Despite conceding a first-half penalty and a late second goal, the defensive unit significantly improved after the break, with goalkeeper Velma Abwire standing out for her impressive shot-stopping ability. Valerie Nekesa's near-miss off the side-netting, combined with Kenya's solid defensive effort, showed that the team can hold their own, particularly with some fine-tuning.

2. Velma Abwire’s goalkeeping heroics

Velma Abwire was undoubtedly one of Kenya's standout performers . The Kenyan goalkeeper made several crucial saves, especially in the first half when England’s attackers relentlessly pressured the defense. From denying shots by Omotara Junaid to stopping Nelly Lass in a one-on-one situation, Abwire played a key role in preventing the score from escalating further. Her confidence in the goal will be vital for the Starlets in their upcoming matches.

3. Adjusting to FIFA’s VAR trial

Both teams took advantage of FIFA's trial allowing each side two VAR (Virtual assistant referee) appeals, a new feature that can impact match outcomes. England's appeal for a potential red card against Rebecca Odato was rejected, just as Kenya's VAR request for a penalty due to a challenge by Cecily Wellesley-Smith was also denied. As the tournament progresses, understanding how to strategically use VAR will be essential.

4. Limited offensive opportunities

Despite a stronger performance in the second half, Kenya struggled to create consistent chances against England’s well-organized defense. One of the few moments when Kenya looked likely to score was when Valerie Nekesa hit the side netting. To improve their chances in the next match, the Junior Starlets will need to focus on more creative and aggressive attacking play, particularly when facing defensively strong teams like England.

5. Learning from a tough opponent

This match highlighted the difference in experience between England and Kenya , while also showcasing the potential for growth within the Starlets’ squad. England demonstrated composure and patience, completing 580 passes and taking 17 shots on goal. Meanwhile, Kenya can take away valuable lessons about maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game.

As Kenya prepares for their next fixture, this experience against one of the tournament's stronger teams will be invaluable in building their confidence and refining their approach. Although the Junior Starlets were unable to secure a positive result, the match revealed their potential and areas for improvement. Coach Mildred Cheche's team will be eager to bounce back as they continue their World Cup journey.

For Mila Pulse Sport

~ Dan ~