The Kenya Junior Starlets are poised and ready for their upcoming 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia. The first leg is set to take place at the Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa this Friday.
During a press briefing at the Dandora Stadium in Nairobi, where the team has been training for the past 10 days, Head Coach Mildred Cheche shared her satisfaction with the team’s preparation and condition.
“We’ve been focused on intensive training during our camp, and I’m pleased with the team’s progress. They’ve maintained their fitness levels through active engagement in other activities, and they’re eager to represent Kenya,” stated Cheche.
Cheche also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, considering the strength of the Ethiopian team observed in previous qualifiers.
Team captain Elizabeth Ochaka echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing confidence in securing a positive result in the away match to take control of the tie ahead of the second leg at home.
The Junior Starlets progressed to the third round after DR Congo’s withdrawal, while Ethiopia advanced by defeating South Africa with an aggregate score of 3-0.
The first leg of the third round of qualifiers will kick off on May 1, 2024, with the return matches scheduled for May 19, 2024. The six teams that reach the fourth round will compete for three spots allocated to the African continent for the final tournament in the Dominican Republic in October 2024.
