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Kenya fought valiantly in Yaoundé but ultimately fell short as Cameroon secured World Cup qualification with composure.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets saw their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup hopes dashed after a 3-1 defeat to Cameroon in the return leg of the third-round qualifiers at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé on Friday.
The result confirmed a 4-1 aggregate loss following a 1-0 scoreline loss in the first leg held in Nairobi.
Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche made key changes to her starting XI in a final push to turn the tie around but the plans never materialized.
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Cameroon went ahead in the sixth minute through Avana Ze Beatrice, who calmly slotted home after a swift attacking move caught the Kenyan defense off guard.
The hosts were on the front foot from the early stages of the encounter, with Duba and Sirino seeing a lot of the ball in the opening stages while Kenya goalkeeper Velma Abwire was called upon to keep out a threatening free-kick from Ngo Belia.
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Cameroon should have doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Djangue raced down the right flank before picking out Wendji Nde Yvana, who somehow failed to hit the target with the goal at her mercy inside the six-yard area.
Judith Nandwa was certainly touted as a player to watch for Kenya, but she squandered a big chance to level the score ten minutes before the break when she volleyed over the crossbar from close range.
Kenya were made to rue that miss two minutes later when a defensive lapse ended with Velma Abwire parrying a low cross into the path of Zoua Yolande, who missed from close range as the hosts remained firmly in control.
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The Young Lionesses began the second half brightly and controlled much of the early possession as they looked to protect their narrow lead over the Junior Starlets.
Despite Kenya’s efforts to push forward and find an equalizer, they piled pressure on the hosts and leveled matters in the 50th minute when a Cameroonian defender handled the ball inside the area.
Elizabeth Ochaka stepped up and calmly placed the ball past Mabou Jessica from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
However, just two minutes later, Cameroon regained their advantage when Avana D Ze Beatrice delivered a beautiful cross from the left following a fast break, and Tazanou Ange finished expertly to restore the Young Lionesses' lead.
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Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche responded by making a double substitution — bringing on fresh legs to inject urgency into the Kenyan attack.
However, Cameroon continued to absorb the pressure smartly, and Kenya were wasteful in the final third when opportunities did arise.
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Mwanakombo Bakari and Lorine Ilavonga both missed chances within minutes of each other, failing to trouble the Cameroon goal as the clock ticked down.
The last seven minutes saw the hosts dominating the proceedings as they constantly knocked at Kenya’s door, and Cameroon added a fourth goal when Tiwa Melong converted from the penalty spot after one of their attackers was brought down inside the area.
Kenya tried to reduce the deficit in the dying moments, but the Young Lionesses held firm, securing a 3-1 win on the night and a 4-1 aggregate victory that confirmed their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, while Junior Starlets brave journey came to a heartbreaking end.
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How they lined up:
Cameroon Starting XI: Mabou Jessica, Aghogue Crystal, Wendji Nde Yvana, Ngong Chelsy, Ngo Belia, Atouba Djangue, Zoua Yolande, Dule Karen, Tiwa Melong Lys Fraîche (C), Tazanou Ange, Avana D Ze Beatrice
Subs:Ngamliya Segolene, Mbida Vasteiro, Ayissa Kono, Nguime Ebongue, Teufack Joyce, Bikie Gertrude, Mafor Claire
Kenya Starting XI: Velma Abwire (GK), Joan Ogola, Jenevieve Mithel, Edinah Nasipwondi, Lindey Weey Atieno, Mitshel Waithera, Elizabeth Ochaka, Judith Nandwa, Halima Imbachi (C), Lorine Ilavonga, Mwanakombo Bakari
Subs:Patience Asiko, Brenda Achieng, Brigit Maria, Faith Boke, Joy Angela Valencia, Anifa Bakari, Scovia Awuor (GK)
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