Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has explained why Kenya lost to Cameroon in a FIFA U17 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.

Kenya were beaten 1-0 by the Central Africans on Sunday, April 20, 2025, and Cheche has said her players were surprised and under pressure.

“For most of the players, they’ve never been in a situation where we are trailing. Some of them were surprised, under a lot of pressure.

“So, going into the second leg, we have a lot to do, a lot of things to change, and also things to encourage them with,” Cheche told the media, as quoted by a local publication.

Cameroon win

Meanwhile, Kenya would have emerged victorious had they capitalised on the chances they created in both halves.

Brenda Achieng wasted a glorious chance to break the deadlock in favour of the Starlets but wasted it in the 13th minute.

With Kenya failing to utilise their chances, Fraiche Tiwa Melong headed home to score for Cameroon in the 26th minute.

Head coach Mildred Cheche made her first change, withdrawing Achieng and introducing Lindey Atieno. Elizabeth Ochaka could not find the back of the net for Kenya with another chance that came just after the hour mark.

Mitchell Waithera was brought on to replace Joy Angela Valencia as Cheche made another change with the hope of giving Kenya more fresh legs.

With Kenya relentlessly looking for an equaliser, they came close when Mwanakombo Bakari hit the crossbar. Joan Ogola also came close, but she sent her effort wide.

Despite the defeat, Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed lauded the Starlets.

“That was a good display from the Junior Starlets. Despite the setback, you have everything to play for in the return leg. Keep your spirits high and remain focused on overcoming the results in Cameroon; you can do it,” the FA’s boss said in a statement on X.

With the slight advantage, Cameroon will hope to complete the job when they host Kenya at the Olembe Stadium on Friday, April 25.