Kenya’s Junior Starlets are on the verge of an early exit from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to North Korea in their second group-stage match. The loss leaves Kenya’s chances of progressing to the knockout rounds hanging by a thread, as they now rely on results elsewhere to avoid elimination. If Mexico fails to defeat England later in the day, Kenya will be the first team to exit the tournament after just two games.
A Tough Start for the Junior Starlets
Coming into the match, Junior Starlets knew they needed a result after their 2-0 loss to England in the tournament opener. However, it was North Korea who started on the front foot, taking control of the game from the outset. Just seven minutes into the match, So Ryu Gyon opened the scoring for North Korea, finishing off a precise pass from Ho Kyong. Kenya’s defense, which had struggled in their first match, once again found itself under intense pressure.
North Korea’s quick passing and movement proved too much for the Junior Starlets to handle, and within four minutes of the first goal, Gyon struck again. This time, a well-executed strike from just outside the box found the back of the net, leaving Kenya goalkeeper Velma Abwire with no chance. With the scoreline at 2-0 after just 11 minutes, Kenya faced an uphill battle to salvage the match.
Defensive Struggles and Missed Chances
Kenya’s defense looked vulnerable throughout the first half, as North Korea continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. The Junior Starlets found it difficult to string together meaningful attacks, with their midfield struggling to retain possession and break through North Korea’s organized defense. Velma Awour, who was brought into the starting lineup in place of Lindey Atieno after her shaky performance in the opener, failed to make an impact in the midfield, leaving Kenya exposed.
North Korea came close to extending their lead in the 36th minute when Choe Il Son’s powerful shot rattled the crossbar. Kenya, fortunate to avoid further damage, managed only brief spells of possession in the first half and struggled to make any significant inroads into North Korea’s defense. A late first-half chance saw Valarie Nekesa deliver a low pass to Marion Serenge at the edge of the box, but the Korean defense cleared the danger with ease.
Second Half Surge Falls Short
Despite trailing by two goals, Kenya came out with more attacking intent in the second half. Marion Serenge, who was involved in most of Kenya’s positive play, tried to spark a comeback. Valarie Nekesa also showed more ambition, making a few good runs just outside the box, but her attempts were either blocked by North Korea’s defense or dealt with by goalkeeper Pak Ju Gyong.
One of Junior Starlets best chances came early in the second half when Nekesa found space to make a threatening run down the flank, but her cross into the area failed to connect with Serenge. The Junior Starlets maintained pressure on North Korea, but their efforts to find a breakthrough were consistently thwarted by a disciplined defensive display from the Koreans.
North Korea, meanwhile, continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack. Jon Il Chong sent a perfect ball into the box for Ri Su Jong, whose shot hit the crossbar, narrowly missing the chance to put the game out of reach. Kenya’s goalkeeper Velma Abwire was called into action multiple times in the second half, making key saves to prevent North Korea from increasing their lead.
ALSO READ:
- Sachin Bhudia Powers Kenya to Victory Over Rwanda in ICC T20 Qualifiers
- Liverpool Edges Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield: A Thrilling Premier League Showdown to Return to the Summit
Late Goal Seals North Korea’s Victory
As the match progressed, it became increasingly clear that Kenya’s efforts to get back into the game were not going to be enough. North Korea, after weathering Kenya’s brief spell of pressure, found their rhythm once again in the latter stages of the match. With just four minutes remaining in regulation time, Ri Kuk Hyang, North Korea’s captain, rose above the Kenyan defense to head in a cross from Choe Rim Jong, making it 3-0. The goal, Hyang’s fourth of the tournament, effectively ended any hopes of a Kenyan comeback.
Kenya’s defense, which had struggled to contain North Korea’s attack all game, was once again caught out by the quick movement and precise passing of the Korean players. The late goal was a fitting conclusion to a match in which North Korea had been the dominant side from start to finish.
Sunday’s matchups delivered! #U17WWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 21, 2024
What’s Next for Kenya?
The defeat leaves Kenya at the bottom of their group with zero points from two matches. To avoid becoming the first team eliminated from the tournament, Kenya must now rely on Mexico’s match against England. If Mexico fails to secure a win, Kenya will be the first nation to bow out of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after just two games.
While the Junior Starlets showed more attacking ambition in the second half, their inability to convert chances and their defensive frailties have been a recurring issue in the tournament. Marion Serenge and Valarie Nekesa were standout performers, but the team as a whole struggled to match the intensity and quality of their North Korean counterparts.
A Learning Experience for the Junior Starlets
Kenya’s participation in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup has been a challenging learning experience. Despite their best efforts, the Junior Starlets have struggled to compete against stronger teams like England and North Korea. The tournament has highlighted areas where the team needs to improve, particularly in defense and midfield cohesion.
As Junior Starlets looks ahead to their final group-stage match, they will hope to put in a better performance and possibly salvage some pride, regardless of whether or not they advance to the knockout rounds. For now, their fate rests in the hands of other teams, but the experience gained in this tournament will be invaluable for the future development of women’s football in Kenya.
