Brenda Achieng stars as Junior Starlets sail through

Junior Starlets are two matches away from a repeat FIFA Women's U17 World Cup after sealing a place to the third and final round of the ongoing African qualifiers on Sunday 16 March.

The Mildred Cheche-coached youngsters put on a spectacular show against Uganda at the Nyayo National Stadium to pick a 3-0 win, finishing the rounds on 5-0 aggregate.

Starlets held a 2-0 advantage going into the match, having defeated week Uganda in Kampala, with goals from Edinah Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola, who was part of the Kenya team at the 2024 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Brenda Achieng's brace and an opener from Patience Asiko saw Junior Starlets sail through to the final qualifying round where they play Cameroon.

It took the home side only four minutes to show dominance as Asiko opened the scoring, maintaining her stance as she chased the ball down the box with two defenders in toe. As the goalkeeper narrowed down on her, she released a low shot, slotting it to the far left.

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Cheche's charges maintained the tempo, and barely five minutes later their efforts nearly paid off as Asiko found herself in a scoring position but slow decision making allowed the Ugandan defense to rein her in to keep the score line 1-0.

Uganda's best chance came through Agnes Nabukenya whose efforts went over the bar as the Starlets' backline did a good job putting stops to the noisy neighbours attacks, including an first half additional time free kick that the home side picked dangerously close to the box.

Starlets kept the fight in the second half, making excellent runs, missing numerous chances, including a sitter at the hour mark to keep the score at 1-0.

The match looked headed for such an end but second half substitute Achieng had other plans as she scored in the 56th and in stoppage time for the commanding victory.

Credit to Joy Angela Valencia for providing a spectacular assist, receiving the ball on the edge of the box, dribbling past two defenders to find the unmarked Achieng for 2-0.

For the third, Achieng took matters in her hands, going past two defenders, picking herself from a near fall to chase down the ball and slot it home.

"Winning away in the first leg gave us confidence, and today we secured another three points. The teamwork on display was crucial for such a performance. We are elated," coach Cheche said.