Ababu urges Junior Starlets to be cautious despite 3-0 goal advantage ahead of second leg
By James.Waindi, June 11, 2024
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has called for caution ahead of the second leg of the Under 17 women World Cup between Junior Starlets and Burundi despite the convincing 3-0 first leg win by the Kenyans.
The Minister who received the girls at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upon their arrival from Ethiopia where they played the away match against the Burundians, urged the girls to stop premature celebrations and remain focused for the second leg scheduled for Nairobi on Sunday.
“This is just like half time. The contest is not over yet, we all have to remain focused and I have full confidence of coach Cheche. I would like to call upon Kenyans to turn-up in large numbers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday to cheer these guys and help them achieve the historical feat of becoming the first every Kenyan team to qualify for a football World Cup of any kind,” Ababu said.
Junior Starlets, are on the brink of a historic achievement as they are only 90 minutes away from qualifying for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, with a 3-0 away goal advantage after they beat Burundi in the first leg of the final qualification round, played away at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
Lornah Faith scored the opening goal in the 11th minute before Marion Serenge doubled the advantage just before the halftime whistle, scoring in the 43rd minute to secure Kenya a 2-0 half time lead.
In the second half Susan Okoth sealed the victory in the 71st minute effectively putting the match beyond Burundi’s reach and placing Kenya one step closer to the World Cup dream.
Burundi would need to beat Junior Starlets 4-0 in Nairobi to be able to shatter their dreams.