History is in the making as the Kenya’s Under-17 Women’s football team embarks on the World Cup campaign.
The first Kenyan national team to qualify for a World Cup will have their first clash tomorrow at 2AM at Santiago de los Caballeros Stadium, Dominican Republic.
The Mildred Cheche-coached squad will face England in their opening Group C match of the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The Junior Starlets qualified for the world campaign after they trounced Burundi 5-0 on aggregate.
The team arrived in Spain in late September where they camped for two weeks preparing and playing friendly matches.
Earlier this month they headed to the Dominican Republic, the host nation, for the final phase of preparations, capping it off with a 3-1 win in a friendly against the hosts.
Kenya is placed in Group C alongside England, Mexico, and Korea DPR.
After facing England, they will meet Korea DPR on Sunday and then conclude their group stage matches with Mexico on Thursday next week.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
According to coach Cheche, the mood in camp is good, and the players are psyched up and ready for the matches.
“Being in the World Cup for the first time is a huge motivation for the team. Playing against big nations that have previously qualified for the tournament is a great challenge, but also an honor for us to represent Kenya on the global stage,” Cheche added.
Cheche’s lineup has;
Goalkeepers: Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor.
Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango.
Midfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith.
Forwards: Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia.
