Kenya's Junior Starlets have intensified preparations for their historic Round of 16 clash against Japan at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The match is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Mohammed VI Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Head coach Mildred Cheche's side reached the knockout stage for the first time after thrashing Samoa 4-0 in their final Group E match on Sunday, October 25.
The Junior Starlets' victory over Samoa secured their place among the tournament's four best third-placed teams. They had suffered defeats against China and the United States, losing 3-0 and 6-1 respectively. A convincing win against Samoa, alongside favorable results elsewhere, was needed to keep their World Cup campaign alive. Cheche acknowledged the challenge of facing Japan but maintained that her players would prepare thoroughly and give their best.
Forward Mwanakombo Bakari, who scored twice against Samoa and was named Player of the Match, said the emphatic victory had boosted the team's confidence ahead of the Japan test. Bakari credited her teammates for their contribution to her individual accolade and vowed to raise her game as Kenya pursues a quarter-final berth. She expressed determination to score more goals against Japan.
Japan, however, will pose a stern challenge given their pedigree in youth women's football. The Little Nadeshiko won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2014 and finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016. They have also won the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup four times, underlining their status as one of the leading teams in the age category.
For the Junior Starlets, Thursday's encounter presents an opportunity to build on their historic qualification and move one step closer to a place in the quarter-finals. Cheche emphasized that the team still has work to do ahead of the knockout encounter. The coach expressed pride in her team's achievement but stressed the need for continued effort.
Cheche highlighted the significance of the team's qualification for the knockout stage, stating that it is a historic moment for Kenyan football. She expressed gratitude to her players for their hard work and dedication. The team's progress in the tournament has generated excitement and pride among Kenyan football fans.
The Junior Starlets' match against Japan will be a test of their skills and endurance. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The outcome of the match will determine whether Kenya will advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Key points
- Kenya's Junior Starlets face Japan in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on October 29, 2026.
- The Junior Starlets qualified for the knockout stage after thrashing Samoa 4-0 in their final Group E match.
- Japan has a rich history in youth women's football, having won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2014.
