Kenya’s Junior Starlets have defeated South Africa 2-0 in the first leg of the last phase of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers 2026.

The Kenyan side fresh from participating in the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship took to the filed at the Lucas Moripe Stadium with all eyes targeting victory.

After stopping the earlier attacks by the hosts, Faith Boke gave Kenya the lead after 13 minutes. South Africa tried to fight back strongly but the Kenya Junior Starlets defended well.

The hosts were awarded a penalty after 20 minutes, but Kenyan goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo Ngono was up to the task when she saved it.

After recess Brenda Achieng made it 2-0 for Kenya after 60 minutes. The visitors maintained a good defensive system that stopped the South African attacks.

The return leg will be played on July 12^th at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

In another match of the qualifiers, Ethiopia suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Frida Nadashi gave the hosts the lead after 16 minutes, but Miseret Ayele leveled matters after 42 minutes. The hosts made it 2-1 after 55 minutes through Fida Muzuwa.

The return leg will be played on July 12^th at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Four teams from the African continent will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 that will be hosted by Morocco.

Korea DPR are the defending champions, having lifted the trophy for a third time by defeating the Netherlands in the 2025 final.

Three referees from the CECAFA Zone have been selected to officiate at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 to take place in Poland.

The competition that will attract 24 teams will take place September 5-27^th, 2026.

Expereinced Shamirah Nabadda from Uganda, also the 2025 CAF Female referee of the year has been selected among the 18 center referees. Fides Bangurambona (Burundi) has been selected as an assistant referee, and Rwanda’s Salina Mukansanga will officiate as a Video match official.

Ali Ahmed, the head of refereeing for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) praised Nabadda, Burundi’s Fides Bangurambona (Assistant referee) and Rwanda’s Salina Mukansanga (Video match official) who have worked hard to earn the selection.

“Having the three officials picked means a lot to the Zone because they will also be flying the CECAFA flag,” added Ahmed.

The other match officials selected from Africa to officiate at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup inclide; Twanyanyukwa Antsino (Namibia), Fanta Kone (Mali), Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) and Cameroon’s Carien Atezambong.

Four teams from the African continent Benin, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria qualified to feature in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.

Tanzanian striker Bahati Kizanguzi has scooped the top scorers Award at the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship 2026.

Uganda emerged champions after stopping Tanzania in the final played on Tuesday at the KMC Stadium in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

During the Awards Kizanguzi who netted 10 goals in the tournament picked the top scorers Award, while South Sudan who finished 4^th picked the Fair Play Award.

Uganda’s duo of Namuwaya Mayimuna and Shadia Nabirye scooped the Best Goalkeeper and Best Player Awards respectively.

The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam and and Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President/CAF Executive Member Wallace Karia graced the ceremony.

The competition, the first on the 2026 CECAFA calendar attracted Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti and Zanzibar.

The Uganda Teen Cranes have retained the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship title.

Handled by Sheryl Ulanda Botes, the Uganda team defeated Tanzania 3-0 in the final played on Tuesday at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Justine Ayerango and Brenda Nasaaka gave Uganda Teen Cranes a 2-0 half time lead.

The home side tried to push forward through Yasinta Kaluwa and Bahati Kizanguzi, but failed to break the Ugandan defending line commanded by Jovia Nakirya.

Three minutes into the second half Flavia Yagala netted a third goal for Uganda. Tanzania tried to push forward and attacking at the Ugandan goal, but Namuwaya Mayimuna was up to the task.

It was all celebration after the final whistle as the Uganda Teen Cranes retained the title they last won in 2023.

 “I am very happy that the team followed instructions and won all the five matches played in the tournament,” said a happy Botes after the match.

The Uganda Teen Cranes were crowned with gold medals and also received a trophy, while Tanzania picked silver, while Kenya who defeated South Sudan 7-0 in the play-off match collected bronze medals.

The Awards ceremony was graced by President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam, CECAFA Exco Member Doris Petra and Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President and CAF Executive Member Wallace Karia. Jean Seninde, the CECAFA Interim Executive Director also graced the ceremony.