Rising Starlets edge out Ethiopia to progress in next round U20 World Cup qualifiers
By Faith Lagat, September 28, 2025Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has hailed the Rising Starlets, Kenya’s U-20 women’s football team, for their commanding 4-0 victory over Ethiopia in the return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The match, played on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, showcased the team’s dominance and boosted Kenya’s chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition.
Valerie Nekesa opened the scoring, Elizabeth Mideva netted twice, and Fasila Adhiambo sealed the win, marking a decisive home performance after a 1-1 draw in Addis Ababa in the first leg on September 21.
In a post on his official X account shortly after the match, Mohammed lauded the Rising Starlets’ achievement, describing their performance as “nothing short of magnificent.”
He called on the players to maintain their focus and fighting spirit through the remaining qualifiers, saying their progress was vital to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
His remarks followed an earlier post wishing the team success and highlighting the nationwide support for the players as they stepped onto the pitch.
The Rising Starlets now advance to the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face Tanzania, who demolished Angola 7-0 on aggregate.
Growing support for women’s football
Mohammed’s backing of the Rising Starlets reflects a wider push to strengthen Kenya’s women’s football.
The team’s journey has gained momentum following their historic qualification for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which signalled the impact of structured youth development. Coach Jackline Juma’s provisional squad, named on September 6, 2025, features a blend of experienced and emerging players from the Junior Starlets, further underlining the importance of building talent pathways at the grassroots level.
National attention
The Rising Starlets’ success has inspired young players across the country, with the Ulinzi Sports Complex drawing strong support for the decisive clash against Ethiopia. A week earlier, Mohammed praised the team for earning a crucial point away from home, while the Harambee Stars also sent their encouragement.
As the 2025/2026 Kenyan Premier League season kicked off this weekend, Mohammed reiterated his appeal for fans to support local leagues, which he said formed the backbone of national teams. With increased prize money from a new FKF partnership announced on September 16, 2025, the federation is positioning both men’s and women’s football for growth.
The Rising Starlets now turn their attention to the next stage of qualification, with Kenya’s hopes of appearing at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup firmly alive.