Kenya stop FIFA U-17 World Cup hosts Dominican Republic in build-up match

Kenya Junior Starlets picked a 3-1 morale boosting win against hosts Dominican Republic on Tuesday evening ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024.

The hosts took the lead after 19 minutes, but Kenya leveled matters through Valarie Nekesa six minutes later at the Central Española Stadium in Santo Domingo.

Before the break Marion Serenge scored Kenya’s second goal after 31 minutes, while Lindey Atieno made it 3-1 nine minutes to full time.

Coach Mildred Cheche praised her team for the win despite going a goal down. “We have now played four friendly matches and these have helped us a lot to prepare better ahead of the World Cup,” said Cheche.

Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, the Kenya Junior Starlets had played three matches in Spain. They beat Ciudad Deportiva 4-1, drew 1-1 against Portugal U-17 Women’s team, and humbled Intercity Fememino 4-1.

Kenya who will be making their debut in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will start their Group C campaign against England on October 18th, and later take on Korea DPR two days later. They will take on Mexico in their last Group C match on October 24th.

To qualify for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Kenya had a walkover DR Congo in the second round, ejected Ethiopia 3-0 on aggregate in the third round, and saw off Burundi 5-0 on aggregate in the final phase.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor

Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango

Midfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith

Forwards: Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia