FOOTBALL
Sportsbeat Correspondent 1 day ago

Junior Starlets’ World Cup journey ends before final group match

Junior Starlets during a past training session. [Courtesy FKF]

Kenya’s Junior Starlets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, with their final Group E fixture against Samoa now serving as a chance to end their campaign on a positive note.

The elimination follows a 6-1 defeat to USA on Thursday in Salé, Morocco, which left Kenya without a point after two matches in the tournament.

The Junior Starlets had earlier suffered a 3-0 loss to China in the opening fixture, leaving coach Mildred Cheche’s side with two defeats and nine goals conceded heading into their final group assignment.

Against USA, Kenya struggled to contain a ruthless American attack led by Maddie DiMaria, who scored four goals in the first half to put the contest beyond the reach of the Kenyan youngsters.

Loradana Paletta added another after the break before Giana Hanf completed the scoring for the Americans. Kenya’s consolation came through Lindwey Atieno, who struck a superb long-range goal deep into stoppage time.

With USA and China having secured their places at the top of Group E, Kenya’s hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 have ended, leaving Sunday’s encounter against Samoa as their final appearance at the tournament.

The match presents an opportunity for the Junior Starlets to register their first points and restore some confidence after a difficult campaign on the global stage.

For Cheche’s squad, the focus will now be on finishing strongly, gaining valuable international experience and taking lessons from the tournament as they continue developing for future competitions.