Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche is set to make four changes to her squad ahead of their final FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group C match against Mexico, scheduled for the early hours of Thursday.
After their last training session was cut short by heavy rains at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo, Cheche confirmed that two players, Lorine Ilavonga and Diana Onyango, will miss the game due to illness.
“We’ll make at least four changes, with the two players who are not feeling well sitting out. We hope the replacements will help us target maximum points from the encounter,” Cheche said.
Despite already being eliminated from the tournament, Cheche, who made history by leading the first Kenyan team to a World Cup, emphasized that the team is determined to finish strong by aiming for goals and points.
“Preparations are in top gear, and the girls understand the importance of this match. We will push to score goals, something we haven’t done in the first two matches,” she added.
Kimberly Akinyi, who is vying for a starting position, expressed optimism about the team’s chances against Mexico, urging Kenyans to support them. “I’m happy for the playtime, and we know the results haven’t been good, but we’re hopeful for a positive outcome against Mexico,” Akinyi said.
Kenya lost their opening match 2-0 against England and followed with a 3-0 defeat to two-time champions Korea DPR, while Mexico has also struggled, falling 4-1 to Korea and 4-2 to England.
