Harambee Starlets are back in the country after an impressive win over Mexico in the FIFA Under-17 Women World Cup Group C fixture.

The starlets put up a spirited fight in three of their group-stage fixtures but only managed to secure three points in their last game against Mexico.

Nonetheless, the Starlets made history after securing the first win for Kenya on the world stage.

Starlets make history

In their match against Mexico, Valerie Nekesa opened the score sheet just 15 minutes into the game while Lornah Faith doubled the advantage in the 35th minute.

The Mexicans pulled one back in the second half, but the starlets held on to their victory, earning their first win.

During the match, defenders Elizabeth Ochaka, Christine Adhiambo and Kimberly Akinyi fought back attacks from the Mexican side while key midfielders like Velma Awuor, Pearl Olesi and Lornah Faith supplied the striking force of Marion Serenge and Quinter Adhiambo with the passes.

Player of the match

Lornah Faith was the player of the match after putting in an impressive display of tactical and finishing capabilities.

Two teams qualified in Group C: England and North Korea qualified for the next round of the games after thrashing the Starlets 3-0 and 2- 0 respectively, edging the Mexican and the East African side out of the tournament.

The starlets were received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with bouquets following their inaugural performance and win on the world stage.

Starlets make history

The starlets broke history in Kenyan football in late June when they thrashed Burundi 2- 0 to become the first Kenyan football team men or women to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

In the match played at the iconic Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Susan Akoth and Lornah Faith began the game with early attacks, slightly missing the chances before Marion Serenge put the Starlets ahead with an opener in the 17th minute.

In the 23rd minute, a mistake by a Burundian defender handed Valerie Nekesa a golden opportunity to put the girls ahead. She did not disappoint after tactfully dribbling and placing the ball just in time past the Burundi goalkeeper.

While Burundi had attempted a last-minute comeback, the Starlets’ head coach Mildred Cheche was at the sidelines urging the defenders to thwart any attempts from their competitors.