FIFA U-17 (WWC): Kenya coach warns against underrating Namibia

Kenya women’s U-17 national team coach Mildred Cheche has revealed the game plan for their return leg fixture against Namibia in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Junior Starlets made a strong statement edging out Namibia 2-1 in a lively first-leg encounter played in Windhoek on Sunday.

#JuniorStarlets are back home pic.twitter.com/pXfr5mxUQM

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 13, 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 after the game, Cheche outlined their plans for the second leg slated for Nairobi.

Kenya to work on missed opportunities

“I think making sure the players don’t underrate Namibia,” said Cheche. “In the second half, I would say we didn’t play with a lot of aggression; we didn’t do so well, so we are going to also work on that.”

On the win, Cheche said: “Feeling great. The girls have given their best. It was a tough match for them because most of them are young, new players in the team, so I am glad they were able to pull through.”

Cheche further promised to work on missed chances. She said: “Initially, we wanted to score more goals in the early first half, but we lost a lot of chances. We are going to work on that, and see what the second leg brings.”

Kenya to host Namibia at Ulinzi Complex

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.

Despite the late setback, the Junior Starlets will take confidence from their overall performance and the crucial away victory.

Attention now shifts to the second leg, set for April 18, 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.