FIFA U17 World Cup: Mildred Cheche picks two positives from Kenya's loss to England

A feel of positivity among Kenya’s Junior Starlets was palpable moments after their FIFA U17 World Cup debut on Friday, which unfortunately ended in a 2-0 humbling at the hands of England at the Estadio Cibao FC in the Dominican Republic.

Making history as the first Kenyan football side to ever grace a FIFA World Cup tournament, the Junior Starlets came unstuck in their opening Group C contest, thanks to a pair of strikes either half from Lola Brown and Lauryn Thompson.

England soils Kenya's valiant FIFA U17 World Cup debut

And whilst the result might have been disappointing from a Kenyan perspective, the context would be that they put on a decent showing, threatening Natalie Henderson’s side on several moments, and most importantly, preserving their steel on the big stage.

Front and centre of the praises was Kenyan head coach Mildred Cheche, who on the back of the loss, said that her team “did really well considering it is our first time.”

Asked about any positives picked from the contest, she revealed two: “I am happy with how the team was defensively organized and showed the power to run behind the opponent. Overall we did well as per the plan.”

Valerie Nekesa, leading the line, was among the standouts in the game, alongside teammate Marion Serenge, who got a mention from one of the journalists present at the game, being described as “a wonderful player.”

“Marion played really well, I think she showed good speed. All that is left for us is to continue pushing her and hopefully, she will be a really big player,” Cheche said.

Kenya, now third in their group, play leaders North Korea in their second game on Sunday 20 October at 2300 EAT.