Kenya’s U17 girls’ football team, the Junior Starlets, are just 90 minutes away from making history as they take on Cameroon in the final round of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The second-leg showdown is set for Friday night at the Olémbé Omnisport Stadium in Yaoundé, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 PM EAT.
The stakes couldn’t be higher — the winner of this decisive clash will earn a direct ticket to the global stage in Rabat, Morocco.
The Starlets head into the match trailing 1-0 on aggregate after a narrow defeat in Nairobi last Sunday. Tiwa Melong’s first-half strike gave the Baby Lionesses a slight edge, but Kenya remains confident they can turn things around in enemy territory.
A win by a single goal would push the tie to penalties, while a two-goal margin would see the Starlets qualify outright for a second straight World Cup appearance. For head coach Mildred Cheche and her talented young side, it’s now or never.
Unbeaten Run Tested
Before the first-leg loss, Cheche’s side had cruised through the qualifiers unbeaten, dispatching Uganda 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round. Now, after tasting defeat for the first time, the team has its back against the wall — but they’re not backing down.
“We’ve worked hard in training, and our coaches have corrected our mistakes,” said team captain Halima Imbachi. “We’re going to give it everything to make sure we get the win.”
Cheche has drilled her squad to remain calm under pressure and believes in her girls’ ability to rise to the occasion. The experienced tactician is banking on discipline, composure, and fighting spirit to overcome the Cameroonian challenge.
| Feel of pitch
Tomorrow #JuniorStarlets battle! ⚔️#GoJuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/BfVlpCgzcu
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 24, 2025
Solid Backline, Fired-Up Attack
Defensively, the Starlets will rely on rock-solid center-back Elizabeth Ochaka to organize the backline. She’ll be joined by Lorine Ilavonga, Judith Nandwa, and Jenevive Mithel, with Velma Abwire standing tall between the posts. The key will be keeping a clean sheet while limiting Cameroon’s attacking opportunities.
Midfield dynamo Lindy Weey will once again pull the strings in the middle of the park, offering creativity and balance. Her link-up with captain Imbachi will be vital in controlling the tempo and feeding the forwards.
Up front, the spotlight will be on Joan Ogola — Kenya’s proven goal threat — alongside breakout talents like Anita Bakaria and Edinah Nasipwondi, who impressed in the Uganda fixtures. Speedy winger Brenda Achieng also adds pace and flair, capable of stretching Cameroon’s defense and creating scoring chances out of nothing.
It’s MATCHDAY
Tonight, we rewrite the story.
This is bigger than a game. It’s history, it’s heart, it’s OURstory
Time to Let us cook!#GoJuniorStarlets #JuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/B2k1Esz70v
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 25, 2025
Boost from the Top
In a touching show of support, the team was treated to a morale-boosting dinner hosted by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed and Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi earlier in the week.
“These young girls have shown immense resilience to reach this stage. For them, it’s a milestone. For us, it’s about investing in the future of sport. We’ll support them all the way,” Mwangi said during the event.
The federation’s backing has lifted team spirits, with many players expressing pride in representing Kenya at such a pivotal moment.
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Cameroon Still Favorites — But Beatables
While Cameroon are traditionally seen as African heavyweights in women’s football, their narrow 1-0 win in Nairobi showed they can be contained. The Baby Lionesses may have the home crowd behind them in Yaoundé, but Kenya has nothing to lose and everything to fight for.
Tiwa Melong, the scorer in the first leg, will be a key player to watch once again. However, if Kenya’s defense can keep her quiet, the pressure could quickly shift to the hosts.
With the World Cup ticket within reach, this young Starlets team has the tools, heart, and talent to pull off a famous result under the lights in Cameroon.
As the players take to the pitch tonight, the hopes of a nation rest on their shoulders — and they know it.
