Kenya's Junior Starlets completed a 5 - 0 rout over their East African Neighbors Uganda in a Match that saw the Starlets shine.
Having secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in the first leg in Kampala last weekend, the Kenyan girls only needed to avoid defeat at home to progress to the final qualification round of the FIFA U17 world Cup.
They achieved more than that, edging out Uganda to set up a decisive clash against Cameroon in the third and final qualification stage for next year’s tournament in Morocco.
The Starlets made a bright start, with Ogolla breaking the deadlock after racing onto a lofted pass behind the defence. She outmuscled her marker before slotting a low shot into the net.
Ogolla nearly doubled the lead four minutes later, capitalising on a loose ball inside the box after Patience Asiko’s initial shot was blocked. However, her effort went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.
The Starlets continued to put pressure on the Ugandan defence with their direct attacking play but were unable to find a second goal.
Uganda struggled to create clear-cut chances despite attempting to break through Kenya’s backline with their slick passing. Their best opportunities came from a pair of free-kicks by captain Agnes Nabukenya, but both sailed over the bar.
At the start of the second half, Kenya looked to maintain the same intensity as in the first.
Lindey Weey Atieno produced a moment of brilliance, flicking the ball over her marker before unleashing a powerful volley from distance, only for the Ugandan keeper to parry it behind for a corner.
Moments later, another chance arose when Patience Asiko made a surging run down the left before delivering a dangerous low cross into the box, but Edinah Nasipwondi miscued her effort from just three yards out.
With Uganda focused on ball retention and searching for an opening, the Starlets remained composed, keeping them at bay and rarely allowing them to threaten keeper Velma Abwire. Loyce Komugisha had two attempts—one comfortably collected by the keeper, while the other flew well off target.
As the match neared its conclusion, Kenya injected more pace and doubled their lead with three minutes remaining. Two substitutes combined, as JoyAngela Valencia made a driving run down the right before whipping in a low cross that Achieng expertly turned in at the near post.
Achieng was not finished yet. In a dazzling display of individual skill, she weaved past three defenders before slotting the ball past the keeper at the near post once again.
The third goal sealed Uganda’s fate as the Starlets cruised to a dominant and well-deserved victory.
This 5-0 aggregate win, brings them one step closer to securing a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification.
