Kenya's Junior Starlets celebrating victory in a past match. Photo/Caf Online
BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER
Kenya’s Junior Starlets have entered the final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after head coach Mildred Cheche named a 30-player provisional squad for the tournament.
Cheche has retained much of the squad that secured Kenya a second successive appearance at the global showpiece while handing opportunities to several new faces identified during school competitions, including the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Ball Games.
The selected players will report to a residential camp where their fitness, form and overall readiness will be assessed before Cheche trims the squad to the final 25 players for the World Cup.
Impressive campaign
Kenya booked their place in Morocco following an impressive qualifying campaign. The Junior Starlets began by dispatching Namibia 7-1 on aggregate before overcoming Uganda on the away-goals rule after a 1-1 draw and a goalless second leg.
They then produced their biggest statement against South Africa, defeating the Bantwana 5-1 on aggregate in the decisive final round. Faith Boke and Brenda Achieng scored in Pretoria before Kenya added three second-half goals in the return leg to seal qualification.
Read more:Kirigiti Stadium upgrade boosts Kenya’s AFCON 2027 preparations
Kenya have been drawn in Group E alongside 2024 bronze medallists USA, China PR, who reached the Round of 16 at the previous edition, and 2025 debutants Samoa.
The Junior Starlets will open their campaign against China on October 19 before facing the USA on October 22 and Samoa on October 25. The three matches are scheduled for 5.00pm, 8.00pm and 8.00pm East Africa Time, respectively.
The tournament offers Kenya another opportunity to build on their historic debut at the 2024 edition in the Dominican Republic. The Junior Starlets lost 2-0 to England and 3-0 to North Korea before recording their first World Cup victory with a 2-1 win over Mexico.
Cheche mixes experience with new faces
Cheche’s provisional squad comprises three goalkeepers, 13 defenders, six midfielders and eight forwards, with established campaigners set to compete with newcomers for places in the final squad.
Kenya provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls), Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls).
Defenders: Namisi Pauline (Desert Scorpions), Jael Nanjala (Kitale School), Idah Matara (Nyakach Girls), Idah Akinyi (Kobala School), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Bevarline Awuor (Mathare Women), Ruth Mulongo (Wiyeta Girls), Daisy Adongo (Katonje Mix), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls Primary School), Khatenje Fleviah (St Joseph’s, Kitale).
Midfielders: Bakari Mwanakombo (Kombani School), Beryl Okumu (Nyakach Girls), Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls), Iffy Norah, Lindey Weey Atieno (Raila School), Peninah Fostine (Nyakach Girls), Clarice Demba (Wiyeta Girls).
Forwards: Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill), Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding’ Primary), Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls), Wambui Tabitha (Mathare United Women), Faith Boke (Butere Girls), Patience Waithera (St Joseph’s Girls, Murang’a), Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls), Marcy Awuor (Butere Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (LWAK Girls), Ivy Atieno (Wiyeta Girls).
Group E fixtures
October 19: Kenya v China PR — 5.00pm EAT
October 22: USA v Kenya — 8.00pm EAT
October 25: Samoa v Kenya — 8.00pm EA
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