Kenya Under-17 women’s national team head coach, Mildred Cheche, has affirmed her team’s determination to maintain their unassailable 3-0 advantage when they face Burundi in the final round of the CAF 2024 World Cup Qualifier at Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi, on Sunday.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, Cheche emphasized that they will aim for a win while safeguarding the lead established during the first leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last Sunday.
The Junior Starlets, as they are fondly known, had an easy outing with two first-half goals from Lornah Faith and Marion Serenge, putting them in the driver’s seat. Susan Okoth added a third goal in the 73rd minute.
These impressive exploits mean the Starlets are just ninety minutes away from securing their maiden ticket to the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to be held in the Dominican Republic in October this year.
The outcome of the first leg gives Kenya a crucial advantage heading into the second leg on June 16 at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.
Despite their success in the reverse fixture, coach Cheche is aware that Burundi will be fighting hard on Sunday, and her team must remain cautious.
“It will be a big match to us and we will take it seriously for we are not taking any chances.
“I know they would love to come back and turn the tables because this is football but we will not allow them execute any plan they may have for hurting us,” asserted Cheche.
“Though we have home ground advantage, we still have a lot of work to do.
“There is no room to rest until we get the job done and dusted, as we aim to make history that will make our country proud,” she added.
Team captain Elizabeth Ochaka stated that the team has addressed the shortcomings that emerged in their second-round encounter against Ethiopia, contributing to their resounding win against Burundi away from home.
Ochaka expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a World Cup slot, emphasizing their readiness and determination for the upcoming match.
“Team spirit is very high; we have no room for mistakes that can allow them (Burundi) get into contention.
“We will be focused, knowing this is a World Cup ticket being chased by both sides.”
“We urge (Kenyan) fans to throng the stadium on Sunday and give us support the way they did against Ethiopia in the previous round,” She implored.
