Kenya’s Junior Starlets made their debut at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 loss to a strong England team in their Group C opener. Although the result was not what they had hoped for, the performance provided valuable insights and lessons that can shape their approach in upcoming matches. In a tournament as competitive as the World Cup, learning from each game is crucial for a young team like the Junior Starlets, especially when facing top-tier opposition like England.
This article explores the five key takeaways from the match, analyzing areas where the team excelled and areas that need improvement. Despite the loss, Kenya showed glimpses of promise and resilience, and these lessons can serve them well as they look to bounce back in the remaining group stage fixtures.
1. Defensive Improvement in the Second Half
The Junior Starlets struggled to find their rhythm in the first half against England, conceding an early penalty and eventually allowing a second goal late in the game. However, after halftime, Kenya’s defense tightened up and showed signs of improvement. Their ability to regroup and contain England’s attacking threats during the second half was a positive takeaway from the match.
Despite facing constant pressure, the defensive unit—led by captain Rebecca Odato—worked hard to limit England’s scoring opportunities. While the team still has work to do in terms of preventing early goals, the second-half performance demonstrated that the Junior Starlets can defend resolutely when organized. This improvement bodes well for future matches, where defensive discipline will be key to securing results.
2. Velma Abwire’s Goalkeeping Heroics
One of the standout players for Kenya in this match was goalkeeper Velma Abwire. Throughout the game, Abwire made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable and prevent England from extending their lead further. Her sharp reflexes, confident positioning, and ability to read the game made her a pivotal figure in Kenya’s defensive efforts.
Abwire’s performance was especially crucial in the first half when England launched wave after wave of attacks. She denied clear scoring chances from England’s forwards, including one-on-one opportunities, and commanded her box with authority. Her heroics between the posts give Kenya a strong foundation to build upon, and her leadership in goal will be vital as the tournament progresses.
3. Navigating FIFA’s New VAR Trial
This match also introduced the Junior Starlets to a significant innovation: FIFA’s trial of allowing each team two VAR (Video Assistant Referee) appeals. VAR has been an integral part of football in recent years, but this trial allows teams to make tactical decisions about when to challenge decisions. Both Kenya and England had their appeals rejected during the match, with Kenya’s appeal for a penalty following a challenge by Cecily Wellesley-Smith being dismissed.
The introduction of VAR provides a new dynamic in managing game situations. While Kenya’s appeal did not result in a favorable decision, learning how to use VAR effectively in future games could become an important strategic tool. Understanding when to appeal and how to leverage the system could make a significant difference in tight matches, where key decisions can influence the outcome.
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4. Lack of Offensive Punch
One of the major challenges the Junior Starlets faced against England was their inability to consistently threaten the opposition’s goal. England’s organized defense limited Kenya’s attacking opportunities, with the Starlets managing just a few promising moments in the final third. Valerie Nekesa’s side-netting effort in the second half was one of the few chances where Kenya came close to scoring.
To succeed in upcoming matches, Kenya will need to develop more creativity and aggression in their attacking play. The lack of offensive punch in this match highlighted the need for improved movement off the ball and more precise passing in the final third. Head coach Mildred Cheche will need to focus on building a more fluid attack that can challenge strong defenses. This could involve giving more support to key attacking players like Nekesa and emphasizing quick transitions from defense to attack.
5. Valuable Experience Against a Strong Team
While the 2-0 scoreline reflects a defeat, it also emphasizes the significant experience gained from playing against a team as strong as England. England’s composure on the ball, reflected in their 580 passes and control of possession, provided Kenya with an important lesson in managing the tempo of the game. The Junior Starlets were often forced to chase the ball and defend for long periods, which highlighted the difference in experience between the two teams.
However, this exposure to a higher level of competition is invaluable for Kenya’s development. England’s patient build-up play and tactical discipline showed Kenya the importance of keeping possession and maintaining composure under pressure. Learning from such matches can help the Junior Starlets build confidence and refine their approach in upcoming games.
Matchday two: complete! ✅#U17WWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 18, 2024
Looking Ahead: Building on the Lessons Learned
The Junior Starlets may have suffered a defeat in their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance, but there is no doubt that valuable lessons were learned. Coach Mildred Cheche praised her team’s resilience and commitment despite the result, emphasizing that this experience against one of the tournament’s stronger sides will help Kenya grow as the competition continues.
Moving forward, the Junior Starlets will need to apply the lessons learned from this match to improve their chances of success in the remaining group stage fixtures. Defensive stability, led by Velma Abwire’s brilliance in goal, will continue to be a cornerstone of their game plan. However, it will be equally important for Kenya to work on their attacking creativity and make the most of their offensive opportunities.
As the team prepares for their next matches, they can take heart in the fact that they have the potential to improve and compete at this level. The exposure to strong competition and the experience of navigating new elements like VAR will only make them stronger as they continue their World Cup journey.
Lessons for Growth
The Junior Starlets’ 2-0 loss to England in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup debut was a challenging introduction to the global stage, but it provided critical lessons that the team can build upon. From defensive improvements in the second half to Velma Abwire’s standout goalkeeping performance, Kenya has shown that they can compete at this level. By addressing their offensive shortcomings and learning from their experiences, the Junior Starlets have the potential to bounce back and make a mark in their upcoming matches.
Though the road ahead will be tough, the Starlets are poised to grow and develop as they continue their World Cup campaign, with valuable lessons from this defeat driving them forward.
