WCQ: Rising Starlets captain Fasila Adhiambo reflects on massive Ethiopian win
By Joel Masibo, September 29, 2025The Kenya U20 women’s national team captain, Fasila Adhiambo, has reflected on the Rising Starlets’ massive 4:0 win against Ethiopia in the second leg of the 2026 FIFA U20 World Cup Qualifier played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
In her post-match remarks, Adhiambo revealed that the charges under the tutelage of head coach Jackline Juma were upbeat and knew they would post a stellar performance at home after grabbing a vital 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture played a week earlier on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Fasila noted that the team faced several challenges while playing in Ethiopia, including playing under difficult conditions due to a flooded pitch.
”Personally, I was expecting a win because away games were held because of a muddy pitch, but at home, the technical bench and the entire team were confident about a win,” Adhiambo said.
Rising Starlets’ next assignments
Following the Sunday’s commanding victory, the Rising Starlets are through to the third round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers after sealing a convincing 5-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia.
Valerie Nekesa opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute, before Elizabeth Mideva doubled the lead in the 16th. Fasila struck in the 28th minute to make it three, and Mideva returned in the second half to complete her brace in the 67th minute.
In the first leg, played a week earlier on September 21, 2025, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, it was also Mideva who found the net to secure a vital 1-1 away draw. She now stands as Kenya’s top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals to her name.
The victory sets up an East African derby in the third round, with Kenya facing Tanzania. Starlets will host the first leg before travelling away for the return fixture, with both matches scheduled for February 2026.
The Rising Starlets will now shift their focus to preparations for this crucial clash as they continue their pursuit of a historic ticket to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.