The Kenya Women’s National U-17 football team, also known as the Junior Starlets, is gearing up for another journey toward the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2025. As the host nation, Morocco automatically qualifies, leaving four spots for African teams to compete for during the qualification stages.
The qualifiers officially began on January 10, 2025, with the first leg of the first round scheduled between January 10 and 12. The second leg will follow a week later, from January 17 to 19. However, the Junior Starlets will not participate in this initial stage and will instead enter the competition in the second round, which is set for March 2025.
In March, the Junior Starlets will face the winner of the first-round match between Namibia and Uganda. This second-round stage will feature two-legged ties, with the first leg taking place between March 7 and 9, followed by the return leg from March 14 to 16. A victory in this round would propel Kenya to the third round, where they would face the winner of either Egypt vs. Cameroon or Zimbabwe vs. Ethiopia in another two-legged contest.
The Junior Starlets are aiming to secure their second consecutive qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. In 2024, they made history by becoming the first-ever Kenyan national team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup at any level. Their debut appearance at the U-17 Women’s World Cup was marked by a historic victory over Mexico in the group stages. Although they did not progress beyond the group phase, where they faced tough opponents such as England and North Korea, the victory over Mexico remains a significant milestone for Kenyan football on the global stage.
The team’s remarkable journey in 2024 has fueled optimism and set high expectations for their upcoming qualifiers. With a strong foundation and growing experience on the international stage, the Junior Starlets are poised to build on their previous success and continue to make history for Kenyan football.
The 2024 World Cup appearance was a breakthrough moment for the Junior Starlets, and it has inspired both the players and the country as a whole. The team’s performance demonstrated their potential and proved that Kenya is capable of competing at the highest level in women’s football. The victory over Mexico, in particular, highlighted the team’s resilience and determination, qualities that will be essential as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification in 2025.
The Junior Starlets’ success has also caught the attention of football enthusiasts, with many now watching their progress closely. Their journey has ignited a sense of pride and hope within the Kenyan football community, with fans eagerly anticipating the team’s next steps in the qualifiers.
As they prepare for the next round of the qualifiers in March, the Junior Starlets are focused on building on their past achievements and continuing to push the boundaries of Kenyan football. With a talented squad and a growing sense of confidence, the team is determined to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and continue to make history for Kenyan football on the global stage.
