Kenya’s women’s U-17 national football team, the Junior Starlets, are set to face Uganda in the second round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The two-leg encounter is scheduled for March 2025, with the first leg taking place between March 7-9 and the return leg following a week later from March 14-16.
This match presents a significant opportunity for the Junior Starlets to continue their journey toward a second consecutive appearance at the prestigious tournament. Their historic debut in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, held in the Dominican Republic, saw them finish third in Group C. Despite facing tough competition from defending champions North Korea, semifinalists England, and 2018 finalists Mexico, Kenya showcased their resilience and skill. They capped off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in their final group match.
Kenya entered the qualifiers in the second round after receiving a bye in the first round, along with Zambia and Nigeria, who also represented Africa in the 2024 tournament. Under the guidance of coach Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets have grown into a formidable team with the potential to compete at the highest level. Their upcoming clash with Uganda will test their mettle as they aim to advance further in the qualifiers.
Uganda, their opponents in this round, come into the encounter with impressive form. They secured an 18-0 aggregate victory over Namibia in the first round, winning 10-0 in the first leg and 8-0 in the second leg. This dominant performance underscores Uganda’s strength and sets the stage for a fiercely contested matchup. The Junior Starlets will need to bring their best game to overcome Uganda and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Should Kenya emerge victorious, they will face either Egypt or Cameroon, or Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, in the third round of the qualifiers. These matches are scheduled for April 18-20 and April 25-27, with the final round determining which teams secure a spot in the World Cup.
Elsewhere, several teams have already made their mark in the qualifiers. Cameroon advanced to the second round with a 5-0 aggregate win over Egypt, while Ethiopia, Tanzania, Guinea, and Benin progressed due to withdrawals in the first round. Other notable results included DR Congo’s 2-0 victory over Niger, South Africa’s dominant 12-1 aggregate win over Gabon, and Algeria’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Tunisia.
The Junior Starlets’ journey is part of a broader effort to elevate Kenyan women’s football on the global stage. Their performance in the 2024 tournament has inspired hope and demonstrated the potential of young players in the country. However, the path to qualification remains challenging, with strong teams from across the continent vying for limited spots in the World Cup.
The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, marking the first African edition of the tournament. Scheduled to take place from October 16 to November 3, 2025, the event promises to be a milestone for African football. For Kenya, advancing to the tournament would not only be a significant achievement but also a testament to the progress of women’s football in the country.
The upcoming clash with Uganda is a critical step in this journey. Both teams will be eager to progress and keep their dreams of World Cup qualification alive. With determination and preparation, the Junior Starlets have the potential to rise to the occasion and make history once again.
