NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 29 – Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has praised her players for their progress at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup despite their 3-1 defeat to Japan in the Round of 16.
Kenya took the lead in the 30th minute through Brenda Achieng, but Japan responded seven minutes later as Mei Hanashiro restored parity to send both sides into the break level at 1-1.
Japan took control in the second half, with Nanami Kurita and Asuka Tanaka scoring to seal victory and send the Asian side into the quarter-finals.
Despite the disappointment, Cheche said she was encouraged by the team’s performance, pointing to the progress made since their maiden appearance at the global tournament.
“I am proud of the girls because they played well compared to other games. This is our second World Cup and we have seen tremendous improvement. It’s just a step at a time; one day we will get there,” Cheche said.
Kenya’s campaign marks an improvement on their debut appearance, when they were eliminated in the group stage.
Reaching the Round of 16 in their second consecutive World Cup appearance represents a step forward for the young side as they continue to build experience on the international stage.
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