FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup
Cheche names Kenyan squad for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024
The Kenya Junior Starlets head coach Midred Cheche has today named the final squad of 23 players ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024.
Kenya who will also carry the CECAFA flag are placed in Group C alongside Mexico, England and Korea DPR.
The Dominican Republic will host the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 from October 16 to November 3rd, 2024.
During the official flag-off of the team at the State House in Nairobi, President William Samoei Ruto said that he will support the three players who made a huge contribution in the qualification of the team, but did not make the final squad to travel to the Dominican Republic to go and support the team.
Coach Cheche’s team that will start their campaign against England on October 18th will travel to Spain on Thursday for a pre-World Cup camp where they will also play several friendly matches.
The Junior Starlets will make history by becoming the first Kenyan team to participate in a football World Cup at any level.
“We’ve improved in several areas where we had gaps and strengthened the team. Playing internationally is different from regional competitions, as we will meet the best of the best, and we need to be prepared,” said the coach on Wednesday.
She made it clear that the training camp in Spain will further prepare the team for the tough matches they will play in the World Cup. “Playing teams in Spain will prepare the girls well. All teams in the World Cup are really strong, and being our first time, we are seen as underdogs,” she added.
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.
Final 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