Bakari confident as Kenya U17 chases World Cup dream
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 16.04.25. | 12:04
The attacking midfielder is optimistic about their chances, drawing encouragement from recent results involving their opponents.
Kenya U17 midfielder Mwanakombo Bakari has acknowledged the mounting pressure on the team as they aim to qualify for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. However, she remains confident that the squad is putting in the necessary work to turn the dream into reality.
The team is currently in residential training ahead of a crucial two-legged qualifier against Cameroon. The aggregate winner of the tie will earn a coveted spot at the World Cup, which will be hosted in Africa for the first time later this year.
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Kenya advanced to this stage in emphatic fashion, thrashing Uganda 5-0 on aggregate. They secured a 2-0 victory in Kampala before wrapping up the tie with a dominant 3-0 win at home.
Just over two weeks ago, the team traveled to Morocco for a series of friendly matches. They played two games against the hosts in Rabat, drawing 1-1 in the opener and claiming a 2-0 victory in the second match — results that have boosted their confidence heading into the Cameroon clash.
Speaking from the team’s training camp ahead of Sunday’s first leg at Nyayo National Stadium, Bakari admitted the team is feeling the pressure but remains focused on delivering.
"We know the spotlight is on us. Kenyans want to see us at the World Cup, and our coaches have the same vision. We're working very hard to make sure we qualify," said Bakari.
The attacking midfielder is optimistic about their chances, drawing encouragement from recent results involving their opponents.
"We played well against Morocco, drawing and then winning. Morocco had beaten Cameroon before they faced us. Based on that, we believe we can also get the better of Cameroon," she added.
The return leg is scheduled for a week later in Cameroon, where Kenya will look to complete the job and punch their ticket to Morocco.
