Junior Starlets Eliminate South Africa to Reach Second-Ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Kenya’s Junior Starlets booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa’s Bantwana 3-1 in the second leg of their final qualification tie at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, sealing a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory.

The result secured Kenya’s place at the global showpiece for the second  time after making their historic debut at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Junior Starlets completed the job in front of their home fans after  having won the first leg 2-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria to qualify for the expanded 24-team tournament that will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.

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South Africa made the brighter start and dominated much of the first half with their aggressive pressing and attacking football. Bantwana took the lead as early as the fifth minute when Katleho Malebana produced a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past Kenyan defenders before firing a low shot beyond goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo to give the visitors a deserved advantage.

The early goal lifted the South Africans, who continued to attack in numbers as Farah Thomas and Pulane Gladys caused problems with their movement in the attacking third as Aaliyah Jacobs stretched Kenya’s defence with dangerous runs down the wing. Midfielders Rethabile Elizabeth and Sinenhlanhla Shintel controlled possession as Bantwana looked for a second goal that would have put the tie firmly back in the balance.

South Africa created several more chances before the break with Khwezi Khoza coming close from a corner while Katlego Tania and Ntokozo Michelle remained composed at the back whenever Kenya attempted to push forward.

The Junior Starlets struggled to settle in the opening stages as South Africa’s relentless pressure disrupted their rhythm. Captain Bevarline Awuor marshalled the defence alongside Fleviah Khatenje, while full-backs Pauline Namisi and Brenda Awuor were forced to make several timely interceptions.

Goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo also played a key role in keeping Kenya in the contest with a series of important saves and confident collections inside the penalty area.

Although South Africa controlled most of the first half, Kenya gradually grew into the game towards the interval through the efforts of midfielders Gaudancia Maloba and Mwanakombo Bakari, who began winning possession and launching attacks for forwards Faith Boke, Lindey Weey, Noelina Akuku and Brenda Achieng.

Bantwana nevertheless went into the halftime break holding a narrow 1-0 lead on the day.

Kenya returned for the second half with far more purpose and completely changed the momentum of the match. The Junior Starlets dominated possession, pressed higher up the pitch and pinned South Africa deep inside their own half for long spells.

The hosts nearly found the equaliser in the 48th minute when captain Bevarline Awuor rose highest to connect with a corner kick. Her powerful header beat goalkeeper Dakalo Zinhle, but the ball drifted inches wide with the South African goalkeeper well beaten.

Kenya continued to pile on the pressure as Gaudancia Maloba controlled the midfield with composed passing while Mwanakombo Bakari broke up South Africa’s attacks and initiated quick counter-attacks.

On the flanks, Faith Boke and Lindey Weey repeatedly stretched the Bantwana defence, while Noelina Akuku linked play effectively in the final third.

Another golden chance arrived in the 58th minute when Brenda Achieng found space inside the penalty area, but goalkeeper Dakalo Zinhle produced an excellent save to deny the Kenyan forward.

The relentless pressure finally paid off in the 70th minute. Kenya worked the ball patiently through midfield before Gaudancia Maloba found space inside the penalty area to slot home the equaliser, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations and restoring Kenya’s two-goal aggregate cushion.

The goal lifted the Junior Starlets even further as they continued to dictate the tempo of the game. Pauline Namisi and Brenda Awuor joined the attack from the back, while Bevarline Awuor and Fleviah Khatenje comfortably dealt with South Africa’s attempts to respond.