Football Kenya Federation Vice President McDonald Mariga has called upon local football enthusiasts to rally behind the national U20 women’s football team, the Rising Starlets, as they take on Ethiopia in the second leg of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The Kenyan girls will face their neighbours on Sunday, September 28, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in the quest for the coveted ticket to the World Cup next year. Sunday’s match comes after Rising Starlets secured a 1-1 draw against the visiting Ethiopia in the reverse fixture played on Sunday at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Ahead of the fixture, Mariga has urged local fans to show the Rising Starlets the required support in the same way they did to the men’s national senior side, Harambee Stars, during the 2024 African Nations Championship in August 2025.

”The same way they supported Harambee Stars, I call upon our fans to come out in their numbers to support Rising Starlets on Sunday. The CHAN spirit was amazing, and I think they do the same for our girls,” Mariga said.

Reflecting on the first-leg performance, Mariga said the Rising Starlets played well, even though they surrendered their early lead to the hosts.”

”I watched the game; it was a good match. We led, but they equalised later on, which is ok to earn a draw playing away. What I can say is we have a return leg on Sunday, and I invite everyone to the stadium,” Mariga said.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, FKF President Hussein Mohammed congratulated the team after securing the hard-fought point in Ethiopia, stating, “Well done, Rising Starlets! You’ve put in maximum effort and earned a crucial point away from home. Let’s now aim for victory in the second leg this coming Sunday, back on our home soil,” Mohammed said.

The Harambee Stars also echoed Hussein Mohammed’s sentiments, posting, “It ends even. Good job, girls. On to the next, on Sunday, 28th, 2025, at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Before Uende TEMS, come support the girls.”

Supporting grassroots football

The FKF boss has also emphasised the importance of grassroots support as local leagues take shape. In a post dated September 18, 2025, he urged Kenyans to back local teams, saying, “As our local leagues kick off this weekend, I want to urge all Kenyans to come out, watch, and support our teams.”

“Strong leagues are the foundation of strong national teams, and it is through them that we continue to nurture and produce quality players who can represent our country at the highest level.”