Rampant Junior Starlets crush South Sudan to clinch CECAFA bronze

Kenya's Junior Starlets produced a dominant display to defeat South Sudan 7-0 and claim third place at the CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship in a one-sided playoff match played at KMC Stadium.

The star of the afternoon was prolific forward Brenda Achieng, who delivered a sensational five-goal haul performance to inspire Mildred Cheche's side to an emphatic victory and a podium finish.

Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news

Both teams entered the encounter seeking redemption after suffering defeats in their respective semi-final matches in a bid for a podium finish. 

Kenya had endured a disappointing 3-0 loss to Uganda in the semi's, their first defeat of the tournament, while South Sudan were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Tanzania.

Determined to finish their campaign on a high note, the Junior Starlets started brightly and quickly imposed themselves on the contest. 

Their positive approach paid off after just six minutes when Achieng opened the scoring, calmly converting to hand Kenya an early advantage.

South Sudan attempted to respond and nearly restored parity in the 12th minute.

Tusker FC goalkeeper opens up on personal issue that affected his performance last season

Hellen Luka picked out Akon Akot with a well-weighted pass, but the forward's effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Kenya continued to threaten, with Emily Adhiambo forcing goalkeeper Viola Doki into a comfortable save after a neat combination with Achieng. 

Sudan also created opportunities, with Amek Deng heading inches wide from a Sarah Jaffar delivery midway through the first half.

As the game progressed, Kenya's attacking pressure intensified.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper lands new club in South Africa after chaotic Polokwane exit

Achieng was denied a second goal when Leila Ibot intervened to block her goal-bound volley, while Brenda Awour also tested Doki with a powerful effort. 

South Sudan came close through Nyehok Chatim, whose fierce strike was brilliantly handled by goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo.

Kenya doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime through Elizabeth Opiyo, giving the Junior Starlets a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into the break.

The second half belonged entirely to Kenya. Achieng completed her brace shortly before the hour mark after being set up by Opiyo, before adding a third four minutes later with a stunning long-range strike to complete her hat-trick.

The forward continued her scoring spree, netting her fourth goal in the 74th minute before Faith Boke added a sixth with nine minutes remaining. 

Migori Youth skipper opens up on Mozzart Bet’s impact on promotion campaign

Achieng then put the icing on the cake six minutes later, finishing off a move created by Boke to complete her five-goal haul and seal a resounding 7-0 victory.

The triumph ensured Kenya finished third and secured bronze medals, while South Sudan concluded their campaign in fourth place.