• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 18 hrs ago

Junior Starlets close in on World Cup slot after demolishing Namibia

Kenya U17 Women’s team, the Junior Starlets, have marched into the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a commanding 5-0 win over Namibia at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.

Brenda Achieng stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick as Kenya sealed a strong 7-1 aggregate victory.

Emily Adhiambo also got on the scoresheet, while substitute Elizabeth Opiyo added a fifth goal deep into stoppage time to complete a dominant performance.

From the start, the Junior Starlets showed intent, pressing high and controlling possession. Despite several early chances, they went into the break level at 0-0, with Namibia’s goalkeeper making key saves to keep her team in the game.

The breakthrough came early in the second half when Brenda Achieng calmly finished from close range after a well-worked move. That goal opened the floodgates for Kenya.

Just minutes later, Emily Adhiambo doubled the lead with a superb strike from outside the box, curling the ball past the Namibian goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Kenya stayed in full control, and in the 70th minute, Achieng struck again. She combined well with teammates before firing a powerful shot into the top corner to make it 3-0 and complete her brace.

The hat-trick moment came later when Kenya won possession in midfield, moved the ball quickly, and Achieng finished calmly to complete her treble and extend the lead to 4-0.

Deep into added time, substitute Elizabeth Opiyo added the final goal after a quick attacking move, sealing a 5-0 victory on the day.

With this result, Kenya progress to the next round where they will face either Zimbabwe or Uganda as they continue their journey toward qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

It was a confident and disciplined performance from the Junior Starlets, who showed strength in attack and control throughout the match.