Kenya's Junior Starlets eliminated from U-17 Women's World Cup

Football
By Robert Abong'o | Oct 21, 2024
Kenya’s Harambee Junior Starlets in action against North Korea in the FIFA u-17 Women's World Cup at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic [Photo: Harambee Starlets, Twiiter]

Kenya’s Harambee Junior Starlets were eliminated from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Monday morning after a 3-0 loss to North Korea at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

The defeat, their second in as many matches, dashed their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.

North Korea, a two-time World Cup champion, dominated the game from the outset. So Ryu-gyong struck twice in quick succession, with goals in the 8th and 11th minutes, both assisted by Ho Kyong in near-identical fashion. Kuk Hyang sealed the win with a powerful header off a corner just four minutes before the final whistle.

FT

?? 3-0 ??="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JuniorStarlets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JuniorStarlets< ="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoJuniorStarlets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoJuniorStarlets< ="https://t.co/ujO9atzAjT">pic.twitter.com/ujO9atzAjT< — Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) ="https://twitter.com/StarletsKE/status/1848122558216126813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024<

The loss came on the heels of a 2-0 defeat to England in their opening match, placing the Junior Starlets in a precarious position in Group C. Their only chance to advance hinged on a Mexico win over England, but a ten-women England side overcame Mexico 4-2 to secure their spot in the quarterfinals alongside North Korea.

Kenya's head coach, Mildred Cheche, made one change from the England match, starting Velma Awuor in place of Lindey Atieno. Despite the switch, the Starlets struggled to create scoring opportunities, failing to register a single shot on target in a one-sided affair.

Although the Junior Starlets’ World Cup journey ended early, their participation marked a significant milestone as they became the first Kenyan football team to qualify for a World Cup at any level. This achievement reflects the growing development of women’s football in Kenya and serves as a foundation for future success.

The team will face Mexico in their final group match on Thursday, October 24, with both teams already eliminated from the tournament.

Share this story
Kenya's Junior Starlets eliminated from U-17 Women's World Cup
Kenya’s Harambee Junior Starlets were eliminated from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup this morning after a 3-0 loss to North Korea at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
Nairobi City Thunder secure Elite 16 spot on Basketball Africa League debut
Thunder finished second in the Road to BAL East Division Group D qualifiers with an impressive 3-1 record.
Crunch moment for Junior Starlets as they lie in wait for North Korea
Cheche's girls suffered a 2-0 defeat to England in their opening World Cup match on Friday.
Rising Stars captain Wanjala eyes Cecafa glory after booking Afcon ticket
Kenya hammered Burundi 4-0 on Friday to qualify for 2025 Afcon finals.
Nairobi City Thunder crush GNBC to keep BAL qualification hopes alive
Derric Ogechi finished as Thunder’s top scorer with 19 points.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS