Junior Starlets face Uganda in crucial World Cup Qualifier at Nyayo Stadium
The second-leg encounter comes with everything to play for after the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw in the first leg played at the FUFA Stadium in Kampala last week
Kenya’s Under-17 Women’s national football team, the Junior Starlets, are brimming with confidence ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda today, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
The second-leg encounter comes with everything to play for after the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw in the first leg played at the FUFA Stadium in Kampala last week.
The kick-off is expected to draw strong local support as the Junior Starlets chase a historic step toward World Cup qualification.
Kenya will be aiming to capitalise on home advantage to secure progression to the final qualification round, where they will face either Tanzania or South Africa for a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco later this year.
In the first leg, Uganda took an early lead through Shadia Nabirye in the 11th minute, but Kenya responded strongly as striker Emily Adhiambo netted a crucial equaliser to ensure the tie remained evenly poised heading into the return fixture.
Adhiambo has since expressed optimism ahead of the clash, backing the Junior Starlets to deliver a strong performance and secure victory on home soil.
The regional rivalry adds extra intensity to the encounter, with Uganda’s Teen Cranes seeking redemption after previously suffering a heavy 5-0 aggregate defeat to Kenya in an earlier qualification cycle.
The winner on aggregate will move one step closer to securing a coveted spot at the World Cup, with the final qualifying hurdle set against either Tanzania or South Africa.
Kenya head into the match with a well-balanced squad featuring:
Goalkeepers: Ng’ono Mishel, Wekhomba Martha, Vallary Achieng
Defenders: Namisi Pauline, Awuor Brenda, Boke Faith, Atieno Sheila, Daisy Adongo, Mobutu Iddah, Grace Mumo
Midfielders: Bevarline Awuor, Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Khatenje Fleviah, Grace Wangari, Akuku Noelina
Forwards: Achieng Brenda, Patience Waithira, Emily Adhiambo, Wambui Tabitha, Atieno Ivy, Elizabeth Alizeba, Maloba Gaudencia
