The Kenya Under-17 women’s football team, known as the Junior Starlets, faced a disappointing exit from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup after suffering a 3-0 defeat to North Korea on Monday. This loss followed their 2-0 setback against England in their tournament opener, leaving them unable to progress in the competition.
Under the guidance of coach Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets entered the match hoping to turn their fortunes around. After the defeat to England, Cheche made a single change to the starting lineup, substituting Lindey Atieno for Velma Awuor. However, the adjustment failed to yield positive results as North Korea quickly established dominance.
The match began on a challenging note for Kenya, with North Korea taking the lead just seven minutes in, courtesy of a goal from So Ryu Gyon. The Koreans doubled their advantage four minutes later through Ho Kyong, leaving the Kenyan side reeling.
In a first half dominated by the North Korean team, Kenya struggled to find their rhythm, managing only fleeting chances. The Junior Starlets were fortunate to avoid a larger deficit when a powerful shot from Choe Il Son struck the crossbar in the 36th minute, narrowly evading the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Abwire.
Despite a more spirited performance in the second half, Kenya could not find the back of the net. North Korea continued to threaten, and in the 81st minute, Ri Kuk Hyang sealed Kenya’s fate with her fourth goal of the tournament and third of the match, extending the scoreline to 3-0.
Kenya’s hopes of advancing hinged on a later match between Mexico and England, where they needed Mexico to avoid defeat. However, their hopes were dashed when England triumphed over Mexico 4-2, confirming the Junior Starlets’ elimination from the tournament.
The journey in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup may have ended for the Junior Starlets, but the team will undoubtedly look to regroup and build for future competitions, aiming to strengthen their performance on the international stage.