The team had to navigate a “group of death” that also contained China PR and the USA.
Coach Mildred Cheche’s side lost their opening match 3-0 to China, then went down 6-1 to the USA, with Lindey Weey scoring Kenya’s goal.
They finished the group stage with a commanding performance against Samoa, which secured third place in Group E and a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.
Mwanakombo Bakari opened the scoring in the 5th minute and later added her second in the 63rd. Brenda Awuor made it 2-0 in the 44th minute, and Gaudancia Maloba scored the third in the 61st, sealing a historic result. Bakari was named Player of the Match.
The African hopefuls knew they needed to win by a margin of four clear goals, and Bakari got them off to the best possible start by drilling home an early opener after great play from Taimane Devoux down the right flank.
Samoa showed real character though, and held firm until the 44th minute, when Brenda Awuor strode forward from the back to make it 2-0 with a precise low 20-yard shot.
‘I am proud beyond words’
Kenya coach Cheche said the girls had shown the world they also belong at the biggest stage.
“We are in the Round of 16 of the U17 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Morocco. I am incredibly proud beyond words. 2024 was a time of joy and history. 2026 is history, belief and competition,” said Cheche.
“Today the girls showed the world that Kenya belongs here. Thank you to the players for their resilience, to the technical bench for their incredible support, and to all Kenyans for your prayers and encouragement. This is for every girl who dreams.
“We keep going. Work is not done.”
Kenya’s goal scorer Bakari said: “I feel very good because it hasn’t been an easy journey. We have played against good teams, we worked hard, worked as a team and got the result. I’m so happy, this is the first time Kenya has qualified from the group stage.”
Embattled Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed said: “Congratulations once again to our Junior Starlets for anchoring Kenya’s name in the World Cup history.
“This achievement reflects the commitment of the players, the technical bench, and the deliberate investment in our national teams by the Federation and the Kenyan government.
“This milestone goes beyond the pitch. It is a beacon of hope for every girl with a dream, proving that with opportunity and belief, girls from every corner of the country can compete and shine among the world’s best.
“The Junior Starlets have redefined what is possible for women’s football in Kenya and laid a foundation for the future of the game.
“As a Federation, our commitment is to continue supporting, investing in, and creating more development pathways for them to succeed, achieve their dreams, and elevate the women's game in Kenya.”
‘You’ve made history’
Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo hailed the team for making Kenyans proud. She said: “History has been made, and our girls are writing a beautiful new chapter in Kenyan football.
“A stunning 4-0 victory over Samoa, and for the first time ever, Kenya’s U-17 girls are through to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“As a woman in football, moments like these remind me why investing in girls’ football is non-negotiable.
“These young stars are not just playing for themselves; they are carrying the hopes of a nation and inspiring the next generation of Kenyan girls to dream bigger.
“You’ve made history, but let this be just the beginning. Kenya is behind you; keep flying our flag high.”
Divided in six groups for the first stage of the competition, the two top two teams in each group will qualify for the Round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams.
The tournament will then progress in a single-elimination knockout format to determine the next World Champion.
The Junior Starlets will now face Japan in the round of 16 on Thursday, October 29th, at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Complex, with kickoff at 9PM EAT.
