Kenya’s Junior Starlets put up a spirited fight, especially in the second half, but fell short in their second match of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, losing 3-0 to Korea DPR in Santiago.
So Ryu-gyong’s brace dashed the Starlets’ hopes of a historic win and eliminated their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
The Koreans dominated the first half, with Ryu-gyong scoring the opener just eight minutes in, firing a powerful shot from the edge of the box after being set up by Ho Kyong. The duo combined again for Korea’s second goal, executing a well-coordinated play that sliced through the Kenyan defense, allowing Ryu-gyong to slot the ball past goalkeeper Velma Abwire. The Starlets faced additional pressure as Cho Yon A and Kyong both struck the crossbar.
Kenya showed resilience in the second half, similar to their performance against England, and came close to scoring when Valerie Nekesa found herself through on goal. However, her shot rolled across the goal without finding the back of the net.
Korea DPR maintained pressure late in the game and sealed their victory with a third goal, as Ri Kuk-hyang headed the ball over the keeper with just four minutes remaining.
With this result, Kenya is eliminated from the tournament, while Korea DPR joins England in advancing to the knockout stage after England’s 4-2 win over Mexico. Kenya will face Mexico in their final group match on Wednesday, aiming for a morale-boosting win to exit the tournament with pride.
