FIFA U-17 (WWC): Kenya coach confident of beating Namibia at home

Kenya national U-17 team head coach Mildred Cheche has remained confident of sealing a double over Namibia and qualifying to the next stage of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Junior Starlets made a strong statement in their qualifying campaign after edging out Namibia 2-1 in a lively first-leg encounter.

Junior Starlets play Namibia in the second leg of the FIFA U17 World Cup Qualifiers today at Ulinzi Sports Complex 💪

📺 LIVE on TV47 pic.twitter.com/0WG2t7vGPG

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 18, 2026

Kenya wasted no time settling into the match, striking early and with intent. Lindey Weey opened the scoring just two minutes in, setting the tone for a dominant start.

Moments later, Faith Boke doubled the advantage in the sixth minute, capping off a blistering opening spell that left the hosts reeling. Speaking ahead of the return leg, Cheche said having played against them in the first leg will give her side the advantage.

Kenya have learnt how Namibia play

“It is a big chance for us; we have learnt how they [Namibia] are playing,” said Cheche.

“Initially we didn’t know how they were playing, so right now we have a better view of how they are playing, and we have adjusted to the right strategies to see whether we can get a win at home.”

Cheche added: “What worked well was the composure. The players were able to keep the ball, and got numerous chances to score.

Even though they didn’t utilize most of them, I am glad they created them, and we have now worked properly on the finishing part.”

Cheche concluded: “The home support is very important. Playing at home is always good for the players as they are energised and are waiting to see the crowd, and the fans that have always supported us I would urge them to come out again in large numbers and support the girls.”

Kenya to face Namibia again

Those two quick-fire goals not only gave the Starlets control of the game but also highlighted their confidence in possession. Throughout the first half, Kenya dictated the tempo, moving the ball with purpose and limiting Namibia’s chances to respond.

After the break, Namibia returned with renewed energy, pushing forward in search of a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off late in the game, as they managed to pull one back towards the end of the match.

Attention now shifts to the second leg, set for Saturday, at the Ulinzi Complex, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm. With a place in the second round at stake, the Starlets will be looking to finish the job on home soil.