Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has applauded Junior Starlets following their 2-1 World Cup U17 win over Mexico in their last group fixture on Friday, October 24, 2024.

Kenya had already been eliminated after initial losses to England and North Korea but managed the win against the Mexicans to register their first ever victory at the global stage.

“Congratulations, Starlets, on your historic win against Mexico in the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. We’re now bowing out of the biggest stage in the world on a high.

As debutants, we were here to build confidence and gain experience. We achieved that and more. We have officially announced our presence in the FIFA World Cup, and henceforth, we will not only qualify but aim to go beyond the group stages of the competition.

“This is work in progress, and our ministry is fully committed to the project. Hongera sana!” Murkomen said in a post on X on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Meanwhile, the debutants took the lead in the 15th minute following a goal that was scored by Valerie Nekesa before Lorna Faith, voted player of the match, scored in the 35th minute to double Kenya’s lead.

Mexico scored their goal, through Alexa Soto, in the second half to deny Kenya a clean sheet that would have iced the cake in the three-week tournament that is held in the Dominican Republic.

Mexico have also exited the competition after three losses in Group C, but Soto finished as their top scorer in the campaign with two goals in consecutive matches.