Nairobi, 12th July 2026-Harambee Junior Starlets came from a goal down to beat South Africa 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory and booking a berth at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026.
The win confirms the Junior Starlets as the only Kenyan team, male or female, at any level, to reach a FIFA World Cup finals. It will also be their second appearance in a row, after their maiden outing in the Dominican Republic in 2024.
The tournament will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
South Africa opened the scoring in the 6th minute when captain Katleho Malebana capitalized on a defensive lapse, aiming to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.
The Junior Starlets responded after the break. Gaudencia Maloba leveled with a thunderous header from a sumptuous cross after beating her marker. Substitute Elizabeth Okoyo then won a penalty which captain Beverline Awuor converted. Elizabeth Alizeba added the third to complete the 3-1 rout.
Kenya’s run to qualification was emphatic. The Junior Starlets beat Namibia 7-1 in Round 1, drew 1-1 with Uganda to advance in Round 2, and then overcame South Africa in the final round.
Coach Mildred Cheche credited faith and focus for the team’s success.
“During the break I told them not to fear. I gave them the morale to rise to the occasion and show their mettle in front of home fans who had filled the stadium,” she said in the post-match interview.
President William Ruto hailed the qualification as a defining moment for Kenyan football.
“This outstanding victory is a powerful reminder that as a nation, we can achieve whatever we set our minds to. The Starlets have inspired a new generation of young sportsmen and women to pursue their ambitions with determination, knowing that no dream is beyond reach,” Ruto said.
FKF President Hussein Mohamed also praised the players and technical bench.
“This wasn’t luck. It was work: the late nights, tough sessions, belief when it got hard, and teaching these girls that they belong on the world stage,” Mohamed said.
He thanked fans for acting as the “12th player” and acknowledged the support of the government and other stakeholders.
“This is more than football. It is proof that when we support our girls, they deliver for Kenya. The flag is going to the world stage. Let’s go make history,” he added.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko marked the achievement with a Sh1 million reward to the Junior Starlets for qualifying.
