Kenya U17 midfielder confident of qualifying for second World Cup tourney
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 01.07.26. | 12:31
Kenya advanced to the third and final qualification phase of the global tournament after defeating Uganda in the second round
Following her debut in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, Kenya U17 midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno has disclosed why she is confident the country will secure another ticket to the intercontinental tourney.
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Kenya advanced to the third and final qualification phase of the global tournament after defeating Uganda in the second round.
The Mildred Cheche-coached side will now face South Africa in a two-legged tie beginning with the first leg on Saturday, 4 July at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa before a return match on Sunday, 12 July at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Ahead of the back-to-back matches, Atieno revealed the source of her confidence in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the team’s training session at Kasarani Annex.
“I believe the CECAFA matches have helped us and the technical bench to study our strengths and weaknesses, and we have already been trying to implement the lessons in training to help us in our match against South Africa,“ said Atieno.
The Madira Soccer Assassins star reiterated her belief that the team has what it takes to beat anyone in their journey to the World Cup.
“The mentality is the same. All the players and the technical bench believe that we can beat anyone, and so I want to assure Kenyans that we will make it to the World Cup.”
Having been part of the historic 2024 team that qualified for the World Cup held in the Dominican Republic, Atieno opened up on her role, while encouraging the new players in the team.
“Together with Brenda (Awuor), who was also there in the World Cup and our captain (Beverline Awuor), who will play in the Women's Premier League (WPL), we have been pushing the others to do better. We missed the World Cup last year, but we are confident of qualification this year,” she added.
Atieno also downplayed the demands on herself and the young team from fans, expressing her capability to handle the pressure.
“I personally believe that Kenyans are looking up to the whole team and me at large to deliver. The pressure is there, but it is nothing much that I cannot handle.”