History Made: Junior Starlets Qualify for U17 Women's World Cup Knockouts

Kenya crush Samoa to reach historic U17 World Cup round of 16

Mwanakombo Bakari scored twice as Kenya beat Samoa 4-0 to reach the U-17 Women's World Cup Round of 16 for the first time, setting up a clash with Japan.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of the players, the technical bench, and the deliberate investment in our national teams...”

Kenya's Junior Starlets have made history, reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time ever after thrashing Samoa 4-0 in their final Group E game at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Sunday.

The result sealed qualification after a tough draw that saw the Starlets pitted against heavyweights China PR and the USA in what was labelled the group of death.

Coach Mildred Cheche’s girls endured a baptism of fire in Morocco, opening with a 3-0 loss to China PR before being outclassed 6-1 by the USA, with Lindey Weey grabbing Kenya’s consolation goal.

Needing a big result to stay alive, the Junior Starlets saved their best for last blowing Samoa away to finish third in Group E and sneak into the last 16 as one of the top-ranked third-placed teams.

It was the Mwanakombo Bakari show in Rabat. She fired Kenya ahead after just five minutes, Brenda Awuor made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time, then Gaudancia Maloba added a third in the 61st minute before Bakari completed her brace two minutes later to cap a historic night. She was named Player of the Match.

Knowing only a four-goal victory would be enough to keep their dream alive, the African hopefuls came flying out of the blocks, with Bakari smashing home the early opener after brilliant work from Taimane Devoux down the right.

Samoa showed plenty of grit to stay in the contest, holding Kenya at bay until just before the interval, when defender Brenda Awuor stepped up and unleashed a superb low drive from 20 yards to make it 2-0.

Cheche: Proud Beyond Words

An elated Mildred Cheche said her Junior Starlets had shown the world they deserve to compete with the best.

“We are in the Round of 16 of the U-17 Women's World Cup 2026 in Morocco. I am proud beyond words. 2024 was about joy and making history. 2026 is about history, belief and competing,' Cheche said.

“Today the girls showed the world that Kenya belongs here. Thank you to the players for their resilience, to the technical bench for their incredible support, and to all Kenyans for your prayers and encouragement. This is for every girl who dreams.

“We keep going. Work is not done.”

Scorer Mwanakombo Bakari, who bagged a brace, said: “I feel very good because it hasn’t been an easy journey. We have played against good teams, we worked hard, worked as a team and got the result. I’m so happy, this is the first time Kenya has qualified from the group stage.”

FKF President Hussein Mohammed, who has been under pressure in recent weeks, added: “Congratulations once again to our Junior Starlets for anchoring Kenya’s name in the World Cup history.”

“This achievement reflects the commitment of the players, the technical bench, and the deliberate investment in our national teams by the Federation and the Kenyan government.

“This milestone goes beyond the pitch. It is a beacon of hope for every girl with a dream, proving that with opportunity and belief, girls from every corner of the country can compete and shine among the world’s best.

“The Junior Starlets have redefined what is possible for women’s football in Kenya and laid a foundation for the future of the game.

“As a Federation, our commitment is to continue supporting, investing in, and creating more development pathways for them to succeed, achieve their dreams, and elevate the women's game in Kenya.”

History Makers doing History Making things🔥🔥🔥 See you in the Round of 16 🇰🇪 #HarambeeStarlets https://t.co/A2GchNReJJ

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 25, 2026

'You've Made History' - Bolo Hails Starlets

Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo applauded the Junior Starlets for making the country proud, saying: “History has been made, and our girls are writing a beautiful new chapter in Kenyan football.”

“A stunning 4-0 victory over Samoa, and for the first time ever, Kenya’s U-17 girls are through to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

“As a woman in football, moments like these remind me why investing in girls’ football is non-negotiable.

“These young stars are not just playing for themselves; they are carrying the hopes of a nation and inspiring the next generation of Kenyan girls to dream bigger.

“You’ve made history, but let this be just the beginning. Kenya is behind you; keep flying our flag high.”

FT Tuko Ndaaaaaani ya RO16 wewe👏👏👏 HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE AGAIN! 🇼🇸 0-4 🇰🇪 #JuniorStarlets #U17WWC https://t.co/YYwEEjn3BX

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 25, 2026

The 24 teams were split into six groups for the opening phase, with the top two from each group advancing to the Round of 16 alongside the four best third-placed finishers.

From there, the competition switches to a straight knockout format to crown the next world champions.

Up next for the Junior Starlets is a huge test against Japan in the Round of 16 on Thursday, October 29, at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Complex, with kick-off set for 9pm EAT.