Kenya Junior Starlets face Burundi in 2024 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers

Junior Starlets players leave the pitch after their victory against Ethiopia in Nairobi on May 19. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya’s Junior Starlets will continue to hunt for the sole ticket to the World Cup when they take on Burundi in the first leg of the final round of qualifiers at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia on Sunday.

Starlets coach Mildred Cheche named a strong 23-member squad made up of a blend of experienced players and promising talents drawn from schools and clubs across the country.

Rising star Valerie Nekesa who features for Madira Girls High School in the KSSSA National School games and represents Madira Assasins in the FKF Women’s Premier League is among the notable names ahead of the match.

Junior Starlets captain Elizabeth Ochoka expressed confidence in her team's ability to do the job on the road.

Speaking during their last training session, Ochoka said the team worked on their mistakes during their last match up with Ethiopia and believes they are far much better today.

“The team is solid. We worked out the mistakes we made last time out and now everything is flowing. We know what we need to do. We need a win in Ethiopia and getting that will make it easier ahead of the second leg back home,” said Ochoka.

The second leg of this fourth and final round of the qualifiers will be played on June 16.

After the two legs, the winner on aggregate will secure an automatic qualification to the 2024 Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup in October, which will be held in the Dominican Republic.