Kenya;s Junior Starlets concluded pool matches on a high note, beating Mexico at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic yester night.
After losing two of their opening matches to England (2-0) and 3-0 against double world champions North Korea, the Mildred Cheche side recorded their maiden 2-1 victory against Mexico to finish third in pool C with three points behind leaders North Korea on 9 points and England on 6 points as Mexico tailed with no point.
Two goals from Valerie Nekesa and Lornah Faith earned Kenya their maiden victory on their maiden appearance at the global football stage as Alexa Soto pulled one back for the Mexicans.
At the same time, Faith was awarded the player of the match award for her good display on the pitch.
“My young squad wanted to win the encounter but a few blunders at the back costed us the victory, I must commend Kenya for scoring those two beautiful goals. They (opponents ) were fast, strong and I think their players have a future in the sport if they stick together,” Mexico coach Rojas Jimena stated.
On her part, Kenya’s coach Mildred Cheche said: “We are happy with the victory, atleast we didn’t go home empty handed- we cherish both the points and the player of the match award.”
Cheche reiterated that her whish is for her girls to stick together and this is the reason she is requesting the federation and the government to ensure the players are helped to get more international friendlies and tournaments to give them exposures.