Kenya’s Junior Starlets put in a spirited performance to secure a valuable 1-1 draw against Uganda in the first leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier played on Thursday evening at the FUFA Stadium in Kampala.
The tightly contested East African clash lived up to expectations, with both sides battling intensely in search of an advantage ahead of the decisive return leg set for Nairobi next week.
Uganda made a bright start to the encounter and managed to break the deadlock early in the 11th minute through Shadia Nabirye, who capitalised on the hosts’ attacking momentum to give the Teen Cranes the lead.
Despite conceding early, the Junior Starlets came back into the second half composed and gradually worked themselves back into the match. Coach Mildred Cheche’s charges showed resilience and character, battling hard to overturn the deficit and regain control of the contest.
Kenya’s persistence eventually paid off when Emily Adhiambo produced a stunning long-range strike in the 60th minute to level matters and hand the visitors a crucial away goal. The goal shifted momentum in favour of the Junior Starlets, who grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Starlets continued to press forward while remaining compact at the back, successfully limiting Uganda’s attacking opportunities in the closing stages to ensure the match ended all square. The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The aggregate winner will advance to the next stage of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers to face South Africa or Tanzania.
