The Junior Starlets will face Uganda in the second leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Second Qualifying Round, aiming to capitalize on their 2-0 lead from the first leg. Key players exude confidence in advancing to the final qualification round, with a match scheduled for March 16, 2025. A victory will lead them to face either Cameroon or Ethiopia in the decisive round.
The Junior Starlets are poised to conclude their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Second Qualifying Round in impressive fashion as they compete against Uganda in the return leg at Nyayo National Stadium this coming Sunday. Following a 2-0 win in the initial match in Kampala, players Lorine Ilavonga and Joan Ogola are optimistic about advancing to the final qualification round.
Scheduled for March 16, 2025, at 3 PM EAT, the match against Uganda is critical for the Junior Starlets in their quest for victory. This confidence stems from their strong performance in the first leg at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala last Saturday, which they won decisively.
Both Ilavonga and Ogola were integral to the Junior Starlets’ participation in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup held in the Dominican Republic. Ilavonga, a defender, remarked on the significance of their goal to secure a second consecutive World Cup qualification: “It’s an honour to be part of another squad chasing World Cup qualification. While we have a strong team, we know other sides are working just as hard.”
Ogola, who scored Kenya’s second goal in the preceding match, expressed her pride: “I’m happy to have finally contributed to the team’s success with a goal. Scoring against Uganda made me proud—it felt great to help the team win.”
She highlighted the necessity of victory, asserting, “We have to win at home. Uganda needs to know this is our turf.” A win would facilitate a third and final qualifying round against either Cameroon or Ethiopia for a chance to compete in the World Cup in Morocco, occurring from October 17 to November 8. Cameroon currently leads their matchup with Ethiopia 5-2 ahead of the return leg.
The Junior Starlets are preparing for a crucial match against Uganda, informed by their prior success and bolstered by the confidence of key players. Their focus remains on not only winning the upcoming game but also on achieving another World Cup qualification. Should they secure victory, they will advance to the final qualifying round, enhancing their prospects for participation in the World Cup in Morocco.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
