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Coach Cheche rallies fans to help Junior Starlets finish off Uganda
Edinah Nasipwondi (left) of Kenya takes on Ugandan defender Shamirah Namukabirye during the first leg of their 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifier at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala.
What you need to know:
- Kenya holds a 2-0 lead from the first leg played on March 8 at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala.
- Coach Cheche is expected to field an unchanged squad after their dominant first-leg performance.
Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche says the work is not yet done and has rallied fans to turn up in large numbers and support Kenya against Uganda’s Teens Cranes in the second round return leg of their 2025 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi today from 3pm.
Kenya holds a 2-0 lead from the first leg played on March 8 at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Cheche, the first coach to guide Kenya to a World Cup tournament, emphasized the importance of a strong home support.
"Playing in front of our fans and families means a lot. Strong Kenyan support boosts morale," Cheche said.
She pointed out that despite the two-goal advantage, the team needs continued encouragement to secure qualification.
A CAF ‘‘A’’ licensed coach, Cheche said they were focused on returning to the global stage.
Kenya, unbeaten at home, will play at Nyayo for the first time. Their last home match was against Ethiopia on May 19 last year at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where they qualified for the World Cup with a 3-0 victory.
Nyayo, has been under renovation since 2023 and last hosted an international match on November 19, 2023, a 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations between Kenya’s Harambee Starlets and Botswana.
Junior Starlets captain Halima Imbachi understands the importance of finishing the task at home.
"We're motivated knowing Sunday's match is crucial. Playing at home allows us to be relaxed, unlike our opponents who will be under pressure to score," said Imbachi, a Form Three student at Butere Girls High School in Kakamega.
Imbachi, who succeeded Elizabeth Ochaka as captain, was also part of the 2024 World Cup squad.
However, Cheche stresses the need for focus and not be complacent.
"We must avoid conceding goals and aim to score to secure a win at home. We must be vigilant against their key players and tactics, especially their number 10, who is a threat as she can shoot from a distance," she cautioned.
Coach Cheche is expected to field an unchanged squad after their dominant first-leg performance.
Fresh from the World Cup, Velma Abwire should the role of standing between the sticks, shielded by four-woman defence of Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevive Mithel, Judith Nandwa, and Ochaka.
Lindey Weey, who assisted on one goal against Uganda, Anita Bakari, and Brenda Achieng' will control the midfield, while Nasipwondi, Imbachi, and Ogola will lead the attack.
Uganda's captain, Agnes Nabu, poses the main threat, having scored six goals in their first round 18-0 aggregate win over Nambia.
Coached by South African Sherly Botes, Teen Cranes were scheduled to hold their final training at Nyayo on Saturday evening. To win, she needs to improve her defence and goalkeeping areas that were unstable and also sharpen the forward line.
The aggregate winner will face Cameroon in the final round for a ticket to the World Cup. Cameroon showed their potency with a 6-2 aggregate win over Ethiopia following their 1-0 victory on Saturday at Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Ticket sales for the Kenya versus Uganda closed on Saturday at 4pm, with VIP tickets priced at Sh500 and regular Sh100. The match will be streamed live on the Harambee Starlets' Facebook page. Kenya received a bye to the first round.