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Kenya’s Junior Starlets rounded off their maiden Fifa World Cup appearance with a scintillating performance against Mexico at the Estadio Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Mildred Cheche-led side, are expected to jet back into the country tomorrow, rose to the occasion, delivering an ecstatic moment for the country by beating Mexico 2-1 in their final Group C match.

Key attacker
Top striker Valerie Nekesa made history as the first Kenyan player to score a goal at a Fifa World Cup tournament.

She collected a neat pass inside the box from Joan Ogola, tapping home the opener for the Junior Starlets at the quarter-hour mark.

Butere Girls’ student Lorna Faith, who was named Player of the Match, extended Kenya’s lead in the 36th minute with a beautiful curling shot that proved too troublesome for Mexico’s Camila Vazquez, sending the small crowd of Kenyan fans in the stadium into delirium.

Mexico strived for a comeback but the magical Starlets held them off.

However, the Mexicans were awarded a penalty late in the match after Kenyan defender Christine Adhiambo was judged to have fouled Abril Fragoso.

Alexa Sonto Ramirez stepped up and netted a consolation goal in the 92nd minute.

Tip-top display

Kenya’s head coach Mildred Cheche expressed her elation after the team’s magnificent performance abroad.

“The game was awesome. We got it right tactically, and the girls gave their best. We are happy and grateful for the victory,” Cheche noted.

“The quality of the opponent matters. Today, we were superior to Mexico; we utilized our goal-scoring chances. A win for us means that we are the first Kenyan team to play at a World Cup and win a match at this stage. Even though we did not progress to the second round, this win means a lot to the country and to the players,” she remarked.

Player of the Match
A brilliant Lorna Faith, who has been a standout performer for Kenya throughout the qualification campaign, expressed her joy after the dominant display in the Dominican capital.

“I feel so happy to have scored at the World Cup; it is so fulfilling. Winning the Player of the Match award is also very encouraging, and I will forever cherish these moments. We came into the game with the zeal to get maximum points and make our country proud. We are glad we achieved our mission. We’ve gained massive experience and exposure through this tournament.”

Following the impressive victory under the floodlights, Kenya finished third in Group C with three points. Unbeaten and two-time U-17 World Cup winners North Korea topped the group with nine points after thrashing England 4-1 in the final group match played in Santiago.

England advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group C with six points, while Mexico will return home winless.

Mexico’s coach, Monica Vergara, praised the Kenyan side, noting that Kenya has a bright future in women’s football.

“We have a very young team. We wanted to win but committed too many mistakes at the back, which really cost us. Kenya capitalized on our errors to score two beautiful goals. The Kenyan players are very strong and fast, and I think Kenya is on a good trajectory for the future.”