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Pulse Sports tells you how Kenya's history makers performed as Junior Starlets sealed World Cup qualification.
The Kenya National U17 girs side Junior Starlets achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
They secured their place in the U-17 Women's World Cup, to be held in the Dominican Republic in October, by defeating Burundi 2-0 on the day and 5-0 on aggregate.
First-half goals from Marion Serenge and Valerie Nekesa at the Ulinzi Sports Complex ensured a dominant performance, completing their journey to the World Cup without conceding a single goal.
Here are the player ratings for the history-making match, as assessed by Pulse Sports:
Goalkeeper
Velma Abwire - 7
Abwire had a quiet day, facing little threat from Burundi. She managed the few aerial balls that came her way efficiently and displayed decent kicking range.
Defenders
Lorine Ilavonga - 7
Ilavonga effectively nullified Burundi’s winger, contributing with dangerous crosses and deep passes that troubled the Burundian defence.
Elizabeth Ochaka - 8
The captain and standout defender led by example, providing a composed presence that reassured her teammates. Ochaka also initiated attacks from the back, one of which created a significant scoring opportunity.
Christine Adhiambo - 7
Adhiambo, partnering with Ochaka, had a straightforward game, dealing well with any threats that came her way.
Kimberly Akinyi - 6
Akinyi was energetic, moving up and down the pitch, but her crossing accuracy left room for improvement.
Midfielders
Rebecca Odato - 8
Odato was a commanding presence in midfield, winning balls and laying the foundation for the more attacking players to shine.
Velma Awuor - 9
Awuor was one of the standout performers, providing a brilliant assist for Nekesa’s goal and showcasing excellent passing and play-switching abilities.
Susan Akoth - 7
Akoth effectively drifted between the lines, creating space for her teammates and playing a crucial role in the team's victory.
Lorna Faith - 7
Faith stretched the Burundi defence and came close to scoring immediately after kickoff, maintaining pressure throughout the game.
Marion Serenge - 10
Serenge was exceptional, scoring the opening goal and consistently threatening the Burundi defence with her skillful play both as a winger and centre forward.
Forward
Valerie Nekesa - 9
Nekesa scored the second goal and was a constant threat with her runs behind the defence, exploiting Burundi’s high line.
Substitutes
Waithera Muthama - 5
Muthama was brought on to help maintain the lead, performing her role to ensure the team's victory.
Joan Ogolla - N/A
Ogolla did not have enough time on the pitch to make a significant impact.
Lindy Weey Atieno - N/A
Atieno also had insufficient time to influence the outcome of the match.
The Junior Starlets' performance was a collective effort of solid defence, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing, earning them a well-deserved place in the U-17 Women's World Cup.
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