Kenya’s Women team Junior Starlets have made history by becoming the first Kenyan national football team to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup twice after defeating South Africa’s Bantwana 3-1 in the second leg of their final qualification tie at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
Backed by a packed and passionate home crowd, the Junior Starlets completed an impressive qualification campaign to book their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, having also qualified for the previous edition held in the Dominican Republic.
South Africa made a dream start to the match, taking the lead in the fifth minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake by Beverlyn Awuor. Despite the early setback, Kenya remained composed and gradually grew into the contest.
The hosts found the equaliser in the 70th minute when Laundesia Maloba, a student at Lwak Girls High School, powered home a well-taken header to ignite celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.
Seventeen minutes later, Kenya completed the comeback after winger Liz was brought down inside the penalty area. Brenda Awuor, a student at Madira Girls High School, confidently converted the resulting penalty to hand the Junior Starlets a 2-1 lead.
Elizabeth Achieng Apiyo, a pupil at Anding’o Primary School, sealed the memorable victory with Kenya’s third goal, confirming a 3-1 second-leg win and securing the country’s place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October to November 2026.
Two weeks earlier in Pretoria, the Junior Starlets had stunned South Africa with a hard-fought 2-0 away victory, putting themselves in a commanding position before completing the job in front of their home supporters.
Speaking after the match, head coach Mildred Cheche praised her players for their resilience and determination despite a nervous start.
“The girls were a bit anxious after conceding early, but during halftime I encouraged them to believe in themselves and stick to our game plan. I am proud of how they responded and fought back to qualify for the World Cup once again,” she said.
The achievement is another landmark moment for Kenyan football. The Junior Starlets are now the first national football team in the country’s history across both the men’s and women’s game to qualify for a FIFA World Cup on two occasions.
Kenya will join hosts Morocco and three other African representatives at the expanded 24-team FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place from October to November 2026, as the Junior Starlets look to continue inspiring a new generation of footballers back home.
