Kenya U17 head coach on importance of Morocco friendlies ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Kenya U17 women’s national team, Junior Starlets, will face Morocco U17 in two high-profile friendly matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming third round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

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The friendlies are scheduled for Friday, 14 April at 9 pm (EAT) in Rabat and Monday, 7 April at the same time and venue.

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These matches come at a crucial time as the Junior Starlets prepare for a decisive two-legged qualifier against Cameroon.

"We want to qualify for the World Cup and our preparations are aimed at coming up with a great team that is able to compete at that level.

We go up against a strong side in the next round, so we have to be at our best," head coach Mildred Cheche said.

The first leg is set for Sunday, 20 April, at Nyayo Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for Friday, 25 April at Stade Olembe.

The aggregate winner will secure a spot at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from Friday, 17 October, to Saturday, 8 November.

The team earned their spot in the third round after a spirited performance against Uganda in the second round.

Head coach Mildred Cheche has emphasized the importance of the upcoming friendlies in fine-tuning the squad ahead of the Cameroon clash.

“These matches will give us a perfect chance to assess our readiness and expose the girls to top-level competition,” she said.

Kenya is chasing history with the dream of making it to the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the second consecutive time.

With solid preparation, including the matches against a strong Moroccan side, the Junior Starlets are determined to go all the way.