Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Sunday, October 25, secured a historic knockout-stage berth for coach Mildred Cheche’s side, who advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams
Kenya’s 3-0 defeat to China exposed the fine margins of World Cup football, with goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo helping limit the damage. The Junior Starlets now face the USA before a potentially decisive meeting with Samoa.
The President made the announcement on Tuesday during a breakfast meeting with the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets, who recently qualified for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup respectively.
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.
In a video message, Ruto said the Junior Starlets had earned the opportunity to compete for another World Cup and challenged Kenyans to play their part by showing up in large numbers to support the team.
The victory places the Junior Starlets within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
The victory saw Kenya top Group A with six points from two wins, having scored 22 goals and conceded none.
Following a 2-1 win last week in Windhoek, Emily Adhiambo and substitute Elizabeth Opiyo also scored, in addition to Achieng's hat-trick in Nairobi to secure a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign, a feat that now head coach Mildred Cheche has emphasized as important.
The two-legged tie will see Kenya's girls commence their campaign away, with the first leg set for April 12, 2026, but the decisive return leg will then be played on April 18, 2026, in Nairobi.
Kenya will as such be forced to win in any way they can and head coach Mildred Cheche says that her ladies are raring to go.
The Women's Under-17 World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed is hoping for a strong showing from home support to help the girls through.