Elizabeth Mideva's Last-Minute Strike Gives Rising Starlets 1-0 Win Over Tanzania Ahead of Second Leg

Kenya’s Rising Starlets silenced Tanzania 1-0 in a high-stakes FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifier at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, February 7.

Entering the third leg of the qualifiers, Rising Starlets knew that it was not only a fight for regional supremacy but also a vital step in the journey toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Poland.

The Starlets went into the tie riding a wave of momentum following a dominant 4-1 aggregate triumph over Ethiopia, showcasing their strength and cohesion.

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Meanwhile, Tanzania earned their place in this round with an emphatic 7-0 aggregate victory against Angola, signalling their intent and scoring prowess.

The first half began with both sides showing clear intent, each eager to take the lead early and hold onto it throughout the match.

Tanzania created a few early opportunities, putting pressure on the Rising Starlets, who struggled to make a significant impact, particularly in dealing with high balls into the box.

Kenya’s Valerie Nekesa was a constant threat, tirelessly pushing forward and looking for openings to score, demonstrating determination and skill throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Despite her efforts, Tanzania’s defence remained alert and well-organised, preventing the ball from reaching their goalkeeper too easily and blocking many of the Starlets’ attempts.

The Rising Starlets continued to press and look for ways to break the deadlock, but several promising chances were squandered due to imprecise shooting and a lack of composure in front of goal. The first half ended with neither side having found the back of the net.

Coming into the second half, both the Rising Starlets and Tanzania were acutely aware of the challenge ahead, each determined to break the deadlock.

Tanzania’s early threats in the first half had tested the Starlets, but Kenya’s side remained resilient, relying on a solid defensive structure while continuing to push forward.

However, much of the second half saw limited impact from either side, as both teams appeared more focused on maintaining defensive stability than creating clear attacking opportunities.

By the 70th minute, the Rising Starlets controlled a significant portion of possession, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Tanzania’s disciplined and well-organised backline, preventing them from converting dominance into goals.

In the 73rd minute, Tanzania earned a corner, presenting a prime opportunity to take the lead, but they failed to capitalise, and their follow-up counterattack lacked the precision needed to threaten the Rising Starlets.

They came close again shortly after, with a near-miss that went wide, keeping the match tightly contested. In response, the Rising Starlets made a substitution in the 76th minute, bringing on fresh legs in an attempt to inject energy and create a decisive impact, even as another player went down with an injury and time began to run against them.

By the 81st minute, the Starlets had a clear chance to score, but a slow reaction allowed the ball to be taken away, prolonging the stalemate.

Finally, in the 84th minute, Elizabeth Mideva delivered a decisive strike, nearly breaking the deadlock and leaving her mark in the closing moments of the dramatic encounter.

On added time, Tanzania still struggled to make an impact, while the Rising Starlets continued pressing hard. The match eventually ended 1-0 in favour of the Rising Starlets.