World Cup Qualifiers: Kenya's Junior Starlets Confident of Victory Over Rejuvenated Ethiopia

• Kenya's Junior Starlets will face Ethiopia in the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers
• The team has been in camp for the past 10 days, training under coach Mildred Cheche
• The aggregate winner will advance to the third round of the U17 World Cup qualifiers

Kenya's women's Under-17 national football team is gearing up for a crucial encounter against Ethiopia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for Friday, May 10, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Departing today, the Junior Starlets are anticipated to return on Saturday, May 11, with the return match slated for Sunday, May 19, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The squad, predominantly comprised of high school talents, has undergone intensive training in a residential camp over the past 10 days.

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Captain Elizabeth Ochaka exuded confidence as she addressed the media at the Dandora Stadium on Tuesday, May 7. She affirmed the team's commitment to coach Mildred Cheche's directives and highlighted their preparedness and determination to represent Kenya with pride.

“We are following everything the coach is saying, training has been good, and I think everything will be fine,” he said, as captured by Sports Brief.

Stressing the team's unity and resolve, Ochaka underscored their respect for the Lucy's.

“We are putting good first. We are going there to fight and give all our best, and we cannot underrate any team. We believe everything will be alright,” said the former Wiyeta star.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia, led by former player Rawda Ali, has been diligently preparing its under-17 national team for the qualifiers. As per The Reporter, Ali assumed coaching responsibilities in December and was entrusted with nurturing emerging talents.

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Having defeated South Africa in the previous round, they are poised to present a formidable challenge to the Junior Starlets.

Coach Cheche reiterated the team's high spirits and cohesion, anticipating a competitive clash.

“We have had good training right from Day One. Both Ethiopia and Kenya have massive talent, and we expect a competitive encounter,” she said, as quoted by The Star.

Kenya to get cash prize after emphatic win

Sports Brief reported that Harambee Stars players earned KSh 2.5 million for their outing against Seychelles in the World Cup qualifiers.

The team put up a five-star display against the island nation, thrashing their opponents 5-0 to earn their first qualifier win.

Michael Olunga scored a brace early on, as Masud Juma, Rooney Onyango and Benson Omala rounded off a perfect evening for Firat’s side.