By Reuben Olita
Kenya soccer team, the Junior Starlets made history today, Sunday,16th June 2024, when they qualified for the FIFA Under 17 World Cup scheduled for Dominican Republic between October 16- November 3, 2024.
They qualified after beating Burundi 2-0 before an ecastic crowd at Ulinzi Aports Complex ar Langata in Nairobi.The Kenyan side had won the first leg 3-0 in Addis Ababa Ethipia last week.
This is the first time Kenya National soccer team has qualified for the World Cup. The senior team Harambee Stars has even failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for over two decades to confirm the deplorable state of Kenyan football
This milestone revives the hopes of the East African nation, which now relies on junior football to revive its football glory after their seniors Harambee and Harambee starlets failed to shine.
Junior starlets will travel to Santo Domingo, the capital city in October, with memories of overturning victories of Spain and South Korea, which have won the global championships two times a piece.
Junior Starlets
Junior Starlets had won the first leg 3-0 against Burundi that was played in Addis Ababa last week with Burundi needing to win the match by a 4-0 margin to book a ticket for the global championships.
However, Kenya buoyed by the presence of Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Nairobi Senator Edward Sifuna, and former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, saw Kenya demolish Burundi Hopes with two first goals.
Junior Starlets stunned their opponents with Marion Sirenge scoring the first goal in the 16th minute before Valary Nekesa, adding the second goal five minutes later to make it 2-0 at the break.
Kenya would have scored more goals, but missed chances by Captain Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorna Faith, and throwing specialist Christine Odhiambo foiled their chances.
