The Kenya U20 Women’s National Football team, the Rising Starlets, soared to an impressive 6-1 lead against Angola in the first leg of the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2024.
This electrifying match unfolded at the iconic Nyayo Stadium on Sunday 8th October, where a jubilant crowd witnessed Kenya’s rising starlets dominating the field.
From the very beginning, it was clear that the Rising Starlets, under the guidance of coach Beldine Odemba, were determined to make their mark.
In the fourth minute, Valerie Nekesa, a prolific forward who plays for Madira Soccer Assassins, opened the scoring with a spectacular goal, setting the tone for a memorable match.
She continued her reign of excellence with two more goals in the 6th and 21st minutes, completing an astonishing hat trick.
Angola managed to break through Kenya’s defense, finding the net in the 23rd minute, but Kenya swiftly responded.
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Charity Midewa, another talented forward, showcased her prowess with a stunning goal from a direct free-kick in the 44th minute, re-establishing Kenya’s commanding three-goal lead at halftime.
The second half brought no respite for Angola as Charity Midewa struck again in the 57th minute, securing her brace before substitute Faith Naliaka struck in the 80th minute to seal Kenya’s victory at 6-1.
The Rising Starlets’ exceptional performance left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with on their journey to the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2024.
Colombia to Host the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2024 Tournament
The U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2024, set to be hosted by Colombia from August 31 to September 22, will feature an expanded tournament with 24 teams, a testament to the growing popularity of women’s football.
Kenya’s path to the tournament includes facing either Cameroon or Botswana in the next round, with the hope of securing a spot in the fourth round, where four final qualifiers for the tournament from Africa will emerge.
It’s worth noting that no Kenyan football team, both men and women, has ever qualified for a FIFA World Cup tournament.
Additionally, Football Kenya Federation had extended an invitation to Women’s Clubs, Youth Academies, and Branch teams to attend the match against Angola, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the future of Kenyan women’s football.
The Rising Starlets’ remarkable journey could change that narrative, offering a ray of hope for Kenyan football.
Rising Stars match Starlets Performance
In a related development, the National Women’s team, the Harambee Starlets, is set to face Botswana in a two-leg tie for the Women’s Afcon after a thrilling victory over Cameroon.
Coach Beldine Odemba continues to work wonders with both the Rising Starlets and the Harambee Starlets, proving herself as a coaching maestro.
However, Coach Odemba has voiced concerns about the preparation of the girls for the second leg against Angola, as some of them lack passports and may face travel issues.
She has called upon the government to step in and expedite the process, ensuring that the team is ready for the upcoming challenges.
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The Rising Starlets will face Angola on October 14 for the second leg tie, with hopes of securing their path to the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2024.
The Men’s National team, Harambee Stars, on the other hand is gearing up for a friendly match against Russia on October 16, 2023, in Turkey, as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers.
