Kenya’s Junior Starlets have qualified for the round of 16 of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the first time in the country’s history, following a 4-0 victory over Samoa in their final Group E match on October 25, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The team had to navigate a “group of death” that also contained China PR and the USA.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s side lost their opening match 3-0 to China, then went down 6-1 to the USA, with Lindey Weey scoring Kenya’s goal. They finished the group stage with a commanding performance against Samoa, which secured third place in Group E and a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.
Mwanakombo Bakari opened the scoring in the 5th minute and later added her second in the 63rd. Brenda Awuor made it 2-0 in the 44th minute, and Gaudancia Maloba scored the third in the 61st, sealing a historic result. Bakari was named Player of the Match.
The Junior Starlets will now face Japan in the round of 16 on Thursday, October 29, at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Complex, with kickoff at 9 PM EAT.
Get factual and reliable news as fast as they happen
