The Junior Starlets recorded their first-ever victory at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Mexico 2-1 on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez stadium.
Junior Starlets wasted no time in making their mark and in the 15th minute, Valerie Nekesa fired Kenya into the lead, finishing a well-crafted move initiated by Joan Ogola.
In the 36th minute, Lornah Faith doubled the lead with a brilliant finish, once again assisted by the ever-present Nekesa. This capped off the halftime score with a 2-0 lead.
Mexico pushed back in the second half, searching for a way to claw back into the game. They finally broke through in the 90th minute with a late penalty goal from Alexa Soto, but the Junior Starlets’ defense stood firm under pressure, ensuring the match ended 2-1 in Kenya’s favor.
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – OCTOBER 23: Lornah Faith of Kenya receives the Player of the Match certificate during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 Group C match between Mexico and Kenya at Felix Sanchez Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Lornah Faith also clinched the player of the match award after an exemplary performance.
This victory not only sealed their first win on the world stage but also earned the Junior Starlets a third-place finish in Group C. The team now gets ready to begin their journey back home on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Starting XI
1.Velma Abwire, 12. Elizabeth Ochaka, 7. Quinter Odiwuor, 3. Kimberly Akinyi, 15. Christine Adhiambo, 17. Halima Imbachi, 5. Pearl Olesi, 14. Lornah Faith, 2. Joan Ogola 10. Marion Serenge, 13. Valerie Nekesa.
Substitutes
16.Ephy Awuor , 18. Scovia Awuor, 9. Velma Awuor, 4. Jenevive Mithel, 21. Jane Kweyu, 6. Susan Akoth, 2. Joan Ogola.8. Lindey Weey Atieno.
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