Kenya’s Rising Starlets secured a dominant 4-0 win over Ethiopia in the return leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, advancing with a 5-1 aggregate score. After a 1-1 draw in Ethiopia, the Starlets made a resounding statement at home, booking their place in the third round.
Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma reflected on the team’s challenging performance in Addis Ababa, where the flooded pitch at the Abebe Bikila Stadium severely impacted their game plan. Despite the tough conditions, the team managed a draw in the first leg, but they knew that a better surface at the Ulinzi Sports Complex would offer them the chance to execute their tactics more effectively.
Juma emphasized the importance of starting strong in the second leg. “We were aiming for the first 10 minutes; we were confident we could get a goal quickly. In Ethiopia, our first goal came in 36 seconds, and we wanted to replicate that,” she explained. The strategy paid off, with Valerie Nekesa opening the scoring just four minutes in. Elizabeth Mideva doubled the lead shortly after, and Fasila Adhiambo added a third in the 28th minute. Mideva completed her brace in the 67th, securing the comfortable win.
Tactically, Juma set up her side with a 1-4-4-2 formation, ensuring balance between attack and defense. The team focused on maintaining possession and applying pressure, knowing Ethiopia’s strong technical play. As the match progressed, Juma made changes, introducing Lorna Faith Wasike and Halima Imbachi to add fresh energy to the side. Patience Asiko, who had been previously deployed in Tanzania, was moved to central defense, further solidifying the team’s defensive structure.
Looking ahead, the Starlets are preparing for an exciting East African derby against Tanzania in the third round, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Kenya. The second leg will be held in Tanzania in February 2026. With the World Cup spot within reach, the Rising Starlets are focused on continuing their impressive run in the qualifiers.
