President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya's Junior Starlets after they qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, hailing the team for making the country proud.
Speaking via video call after Sunday's match, Ruto praised the players for their outstanding performance and pledged his full support as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco.
"I love you guys, you have made our country proud. Congratulations, and I'm very proud of you. You can count on my support one hundred per cent," the President said.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed and other leaders were present during the President's virtual address.
In a statement, Ruto described the qualification as a defining moment for Kenyan football, saying it showed that Kenyans can achieve anything they set their minds to.
He said the achievement had brought the country one step closer to competing on the biggest stage in world football and inspired a new generation of young sportsmen and women to pursue their dreams.
"Congratulations to the players, the technical bench, the Football Kenya Federation, and every Kenyan who stood behind this team. Hongera, Junior Harambee Starlets. Nyinyi ni mashujaa," he praised.
The Junior Starlets secured qualification after defeating South Africa's Bantwana 3-1 in the second leg of the final qualifying round at Nyayo National Stadium.
The victory completed a dominant 5-1 aggregate triumph after Kenya had won the first leg 2-0 in Pretoria, earning the country a second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
South Africa took an early lead through captain Katleho Malebana in the fifth minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse to reduce the aggregate deficit. However, Kenya responded strongly after the break.
Gaudencia Maloba headed home the equaliser before Brenda Awuor calmly converted a penalty to put the Junior Starlets ahead. Substitute Elizabeth Alizeba then capped a swift counter-attack moments after coming off the bench, sealing a 3-1 victory for the Kenyan youngsters.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will be held in Morocco.