Kenya's Junior Starlets staged a stunning second-half comeback to beat South Africa 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, scheduled for October 17 to November 7.
Speaking before the match during Saturday's final training session, head coach Mildred Cheche, who will lead Kenya to a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after guiding the team to its debut in the Dominican Republic in 2024, said her side was prepared for any challenge.
"In football we prepare for all situations. We won the first leg in South Africa, but we have to be wary of their advances here in Nairobi," she said ahead of Sunday's match.
Cheche's warning proved justified when South Africa captain Katleho Malebana gave the visitors an early lead in the sixth minute, capitalising on defensive errors by the Junior Starlets.
Ntombifuthi Khumalo's side held onto their advantage until the break and enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the opening half.
Kenya returned a transformed side after the interval, inspired by a vocal home crowd and Cheche's halftime team talk. The introduction of Emily Adhiambo Mbuya added fresh energy and pace to an attack already led by Faith Boke and Brenda Achieng.
Gaudencia Malomba rose highest to head home from a long throw and level the scores before substitute Elizabeth Opiyo won a penalty, which captain Beverline Awuor Atieno calmly converted to complete Kenya's comeback.
Elizabeth Alizeba then added a third goal to seal a convincing 3-1 victory.
The result underlined Kenya's dominance over the two legs, as the Junior Starlets defeated one of Africa's established youth football nations 5-1 on aggregate to secure back-to-back appearances at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.